Looking Back, Looking Ahead: Lessons Learned from the Pandemic (Are we Prepared for the Next Pandemic)

Abstract

The sudden closure of library buildings and physical spaces due to the pandemic spurred academic librarians to devise new ways to support students, most of whom continued their studies remotely. How did individual academic libraries respond to this health emergency, and what did the library professionals learn from the experience? This case study compares the lessons learned at three academic libraries during this unprecedented time. The three academic libraries are a medium size community college (Union College of Union County, NJ), a small private college (Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY), and a large state university (Montclair State University, NJ). The initial plan was to compare each institution's pre- and post-COVID-19 periods. However, it is difficult to ascertain whether a post-COVID-19 state has been achieved. As a result, this case study will focus on the successful and not so successful strategies and the temporary measures instituted in response to the health crisis.