ABSTRACT
Purpose: This paper aims to review the literature on assistive technologies (AT) during the COVID-19 pandemic and afterward, in libraries globally, as portrayed on blogs, wikis and the internet. Design/methodology/approach: Reports from blogs, internet sources and databases during the pandemic in 2019 up to July 2022 are examined and findings highlighted the trends in the use of AT within that period. Findings: AT were not readily available in libraries, archives and museums during the lockdown. Some institutions made emergency contingency provisions to loan out equipment. Online resources were made available over time, however. In aftermath of the pandemic, there is a concerted effort to bridge the gaps in service delivery to the clientele that need AT and plan for possible future emergencies. Originality/value: This paper presents an overview of the trends in the use of AT during and after the COVID-19 pandemic globally. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: This paper aims to present an overview of technology in libraries that have been “left behind”, that is, libraries that are not technology compliant in terms of providing services with the latest digital tools. Design/methodology/approach: Systematic literature review on libraries that are “left behind” in technology was done and the data gathered presented, of the latest trends in such libraries and their progress or regression. Findings: Public and university libraries are mostly left behind depending on the environment and the prevailing circumstances in the environment. The COVID-19 pandemic, unrest and war situations have affected technology use in libraries and created different left behind scenarios in libraries. Recommendation is made for libraries, librarians and information specialists to remain dynamic and versatile to cope in the institutions where they work. Originality/value: “Left behind” libraries are always trying to catch up, and therefore more attention ought to be paid to them, especially in the digital era of constant emerging technologies. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Because blended working options have emerged and varied technological devices are being used during lockdowns, it is necessary to examine the working and learning options in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pros and cons of hybrid (blended) working and learning are highlighted. Design/methodology/approach: An extended search of literature online, and also of examples of blended learning and working instituted in some libraries, archives and museums was carried out over a period of three weeks. Findings: Findings indicated that adjustments to the hybrid working and learning situations had to be made by staff and students in heritage institutions. Provision of more digital content and the adoption of machine learning models were the solutions proffered, with indications that the tools for the blended learning implementation be provided. Reskilling of staff due to new technologies being introduced is recommended. Originality/value: Solutions to blended learning and blended working scenarios are provided, giving pointers to online links for added information. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.
ABSTRACT
The global spread of coronavirus and the associated lockdown by various countries, communities and organizations is worrisome. However, literature has revealed that one of the biggest roles librarians can to play in the national response to the pandemic is that of information literacy specialist. This study, therefore, evaluated sensitization and promotion of information literacy on COVID-19 pandemic by librarians in Public University Libraries in South-Western Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The data for the study was collected from librarians in Public University Libraries in South-Western Nigeria. A total of 315 librarians participated in the study through an online questionnaire due to the COVID-19 pandemic while 233 (74.0%) returned copies of filled questionnaire by the respondents was analysed. Frequency counts, percentages and mean were used to analyse the data collected. Librarians sensitized their communities through various ways on preventive COVID-19 information and used mobile phones and social media very effectively in disseminating preventive COVID-19 information. A significant relationship existed between sensitization and promotion of information literacy on COVID-19 pandemic by librarians. However, librarians were confronted with many challenges in promoting preventive COVID-19 information. It is therefore, recommended that librarians and other information stakeholders should put more efforts on sensitizing their communities about this COVID-19 pandemic, so as to reduce the high level of ignorance about the pandemic in the communities. © 2021. All Rights Reserved.