The National Library of Latvia in the early stage of Covid-19 exit

Abstract

The National Library of Latvia had to close for two and a half months when emergency situation was declared in Latvia. The library took proactive steps to protect its staff and ensure continuous on-line services to readers, as well as prepared re-opening plan with physical service transformation according to existing health and safety protocols. The National Library of Latvia engaged in different initiatives to diversify its products and services, including contribution of library data centre processing power to crowdsourcing initiative battling Covid-19. Library major achievement was to receive the license from the state copyright agency that allowed public access to copyright protected collections of books and periodicals from the Latvian National Digital Library throughout the entire Covid-19 crisis. Unlimited access to library digital collections was significant contribution in supporting general public, students and researchers during homestay period. The library re-opened in late May adapting to new normal and has strong future vision of improving information and communication technologies (ICT) of state cultural sector and implementing several international projects.