Studying the Effectiveness of Interaction Between Libraries and Students in an Interactive Online Environment in Crisis Conditions

Abstract

In this article, the authors share their own experience of developing and implementing the concept of an alternative and safe online environment for library interaction with users to overcome emotional tension in the crisis times of uncertainty of COVID-19 and martial law in Ukraine. This study examines the effectiveness of interactive online environment for library-user interaction and adds to the list of publications devoted to the concept of the library as ‘third’ place.

Keywords:

• Academic library
• COVID-19
• impression analysis
• librarianship
• library interactive online environment
• motivation
• user satisfaction

Acknowledgement

The authors of the article sincerely to the students who participated in the survey.

Disclosure statement

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

Notes

1 Power outage schedule. In October 2022, as a result of Russian military strikes on the territory of Ukraine, 30% of Ukrainian power plants were destroyed. This caused a shortage of electricity and massive blackouts in residents’ homes (stabilization blackouts lasted at least twice a day for 4 hours). Power outage schedules made it possible to reduce the load on networks, repair equipment and balance the country’s power system. (Topalov, 2022).

2 “Point of Invincibility” is a project initiated by the Ukrainian authorities after Russia’s massive shelling of critical infrastructure facilities in Ukraine during the Russian-Ukrainian war. In the Points of Invincibility, the availability of water, heat, mobile communication, the Internet, first-aid kits, power for mobile devices, and ensuring the safety of mothers and children are provided. It is a place for short-term simultaneous stay of 40 to 500 people (Nezlamnist.gov.ua, n.d.).

3 A shelter is a fortification structure, a basement room in an underground space, in which a safe and comfortable temporary stay of the participants of the educational process is possible in the event of the activation of the “Air alarm” signal. (Educational Ombudsman of Ukraine, 2022).