The Changing Face of Public Services in Health Sciences Libraries Post-Pandemic

Abstract

Health sciences library public services underwent profound changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Circulation, reference services, instruction, interlibrary loan, and programming were all significantly affected. Libraries adapted by moving to virtual services, featuring online workshops, video consultations, and digital information sharing. Reference services moved to virtual consultations for a streamlined experience, and instruction transitioned to interactive video tutorials. Interlibrary loan services saw a decrease in print material lending but an increase in electronic subscriptions. Library programming shifted from in-person to virtual, focusing on wellness activities. This post-pandemic transformation underscores the importance of ongoing adaptation to meet changing user needs.

Keywords:

• COVID-19 pandemic
• health sciences library
• public services
• virtual programming
• virtual services

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Shalu Gillum

Shalu Gillum, JD, MLS, DAHIP ([email protected]) is Head of Public Services and Associate Medical Librarian at the Harriet F. Ginsburg Health Sciences Library at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida.