Libraries in the face of a pandemic: Moving forward to support quality education

• Main Authors: Abdala, Maria Pretty Lay T., Bacordo, Mark Andrew D.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2022
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_clis/2022/Schedule/2
• Institution: De La Salle University

Purpose: This research examines the present status of libraries in Central Luzon and the Zamboanga Peninsula regions. It outlines their plans and requirements as they prepare to reopen their doors to the public. Research questions: This paper aims to address the following research questions: (1) What is the current state of the libraries in Central Luzon and Zamboanga Peninsula libraries in terms of work and library services during the pandemic? (2) What problems did librarians face in providing library services during the pandemic?, and (3) What are the plans and needs of the Central Luzon and Zamboanga Peninsula libraries as they prepare to open their buildings to the community? Methodology (design, methods, sampling, data analysis): A quantitative research method will be used in this study. The formulated questions will be answered using a self- developed survey instrument. The librarians from two regional councils, namely the Central Luzon Regional Council and the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Council, would be the study's respondents. SPSS will be used for exploratory and descriptive analysis in this research. It can help researchers connect their thoughts to better understand the foundations of research analysis without introducing any preconceived notions or biases. Results (or expected results): The study's findings provide a full insight of the librarian's coping mechanism in providing services to its stakeholders amidst pandemic in support to the quality education. The study will produce an intervention plan in response to the current situation that librarians are experiencing. This will be centered on intensive interventions that will allow libraries to figure out quality ways to serve their community. Practical implications: SDGs address a wide range of concerns, including cross-border access to knowledge and technology literacy, both of which were essential during the pandemic. This research will aid librarians in meeting the demands of the library community, especially in terms of providing access and services during the pandemic and post-pandemic times in support of its role in providing quality education anchored on its institution’s mandates. Originality or value of paper: This study will provide information relevant to the current situation on the problems faced by the librarians in delivering library services during the pandemic period. Moreover, the study will present best practices and solutions for the plans to reopen the library to the community. By delivering intense interventions and structuring libraries to address their strengths and weaknesses, it will embrace the challenges that arise along the way. It will identify, articulate, and implement an appropriate library intervention. This involves a readiness to make changes, adaptations, and reflections on evidence-based decision-making so that the intensive intervention it delivers is truly tailored to the stakeholders. Furthermore, it will provide new insights to the existing body of knowledge in library roles in providing access and services in the pandemic and post-pandemic eras.