Who is Using What, Where? An Analysis of Stakeholder Usage of Services and Collections during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

In this column, we will share the results of our analysis of stakeholders’ usage of the library’s services and collections during three phases: pre-pandemic, the start of the pandemic, and during the pandemic. The period covered (August 2019 through April 2021) includes three different operational models – from entirely closed (with all services available only remotely online) to reduced staffing and hours with safety restrictions in place, including no book check-outs (the stacks were closed), to the current model of reopened stacks with reduced staffing hours and social distancing restrictions. In addition, we will share insights from our decisions regarding the library’s budget, operations, and outreach. Finally, we will provide the limitations to this study including the benefits and challenges of collecting personal identifiable information (PII), non-PII, and OpenAthens data.

Keywords:

• Collection usage
• remote usage
• electronic services
• computers in the library
• academic libraries
• COVID-19 Pandemic

Disclosure statement

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