Exploring New Narratives to Overcome Historical Assumptions

Abstract

abstract:The COVID-19 pandemic peeled back long-held assumptions about what is wanted, needed, and possible within academia. Many academic libraries had failed to fully imagine the potential uses of online and, in short, missed many opportunities to engage and support users. From this oversight have sprung opportunities to better understand and respond to the needs of diverse campus communities. This article explores the creation of new and newly reimagined services at one academic library and the potential that they offer to the post-pandemic library of the future. It also suggests additional questions that should be asked to strive for equal access and opportunity for all campus members.