Public libraries as a vital social function or something we can do without in times of crises. The Swedish reaction to Covid-19

Rundqvist, Elisabet

doi:10.1177/09557490211002741

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…First, they needed to interpret the various health directives and advice, and apply them to their libraries' service provision and operations, for the safety of both staff and patrons, while their libraries also had a specific role in their communities for the provision and interpretation of public health advice more generally (see, e.g. Rundqvist, 2021;Joel and Camble, 2021). Managers were also focused on Australian public libraries during COVID-19 expanding their online services and programing in the wake of physical library closures and restrictions, while being aware that additional work was needed, beyond simply moving resources and activities online, to maintain customer relationships and promote their new offerings (see, e.g.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Australian public libraries during the COVID-19 crisis: operations, management and service provision

Wakeling

Garner

Kennan

et al. 2023

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PurposeThe purpose of this research was to investigate how Australian public libraries responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of management, planning and communication. The study also investigated operational approaches to the development and implementation of new and adapted models of service and resource delivery.Design/methodology/approachUtilising a multiple qualitative case study approach, interviews were conducted with 15 Australian public library staff members at three library services – one inner-city, one regional and one remote. Inductive thematic analysis was employed to generate insights into the operations and management strategies employed during the COVID-19 crisis.FindingsFindings suggest that public library managers performed admirably in the face of significant logistical, budgetary and regulatory challenges. Five key themes emerged to represent the ways in which public library leaders responded effectively to the crisis: resourcefulness, flexibility, presence, sensitivity and communication. Results also demonstrate the importance placed on library users’ welfare.Originality/valueThis research represents the first study to focus on the response of Australian public library managers to the significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify the strategies employed by library leaders to respond effectively. In doing so this research provides valuable insights into how public library managers can prepare for future crises.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Australian public libraries during the COVID-19 crisis: operations, management and service provision

Wakeling

Garner

Kennan

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Medawar and Tabet (2020) suggests that digital initiatives should be accompanied with policies for reducing digital inequalities in order to promote knowledge, to support communication, to develop creativity and in order to reach communities directly. Therefore, ensuring access to digital library services provided a "business as usual" feeling (Rundqvist, 2020) that was giving a sense of social regularity (Dalmer and Griffin, 2021).…”

Section: Services-operationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The management of public libraries during COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic literature review through PRISMA method

Κωσταγιόλας

Katsani

2021

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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the literature regarding the impact of global coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) pandemic on PLs and their management responses during COVID-19 pandemic as well as for the post-pandemic era.Design/methodology/approachThe systematic literature review is based on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) method and includes publications in the English language published at online scholarly resources during the period of COVID-19 outbreak, i.e. from January 2020 to June 2021.FindingsThe number of the eligible and relevant studies for the COVID-19 impact on PLs was 79, which were included in the literature review profiling and in the qualitative analysis.Originality/valueThe systematic review provides a useful overview of existing PL management paradigms that could be contemplated at an organizational, national or international level while developing a strategy for public libraries in the post-pandemic era.

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‘The challenge now is for us to remain relevant’: Australian public libraries and the COVID-19 crisis

et al. 2021

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The COVID-19 crisis has had a significant impact on public libraries around the world. In Australia, almost all public libraries experienced some period of building closure, requiring libraries to adapt their services and delivery models. This article reports findings from a large-scale survey of public library managers in Australia, which was conducted in August 2020. In particular, it presents the results of a thematic analysis of the participants’ free-text responses to open questions asked as part of the survey. This analysis reveals important insights relating to responses to library closures, staffing issues, new and expanded services and programmes, relationships with parent bodies, and the role of public libraries during the crisis and beyond. While public libraries are perceived by managers to have been agile and adaptable, and to have utilised technology effectively, the findings clearly demonstrate the value to users of library buildings, with important consequences for understanding the role of public libraries.

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Public libraries as a vital social function or something we can do without in times of crises. The Swedish reaction to Covid-19

Cited by 5 publications

References 0 publications

Australian public libraries during the COVID-19 crisis: operations, management and service provision

Australian public libraries during the COVID-19 crisis: operations, management and service provision

The management of public libraries during COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic literature review through PRISMA method

‘The challenge now is for us to remain relevant’: Australian public libraries and the COVID-19 crisis

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