Library Services Provision During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Study Between Developing Countries

Library Services Provision During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Study Between Developing Countries

2024 | Md. Nayeem Ahmed, Rasheedul Haque, Abdul Rahman bin S Senathirajah, Md. Ibrahim Khalil, Saif Ahmed, Syriac Nellikunel Devasia, Sean Calvin Shin Ching Yong and Aerni Isa
This study compares the library services provided in Bangladesh and Malaysia during the Covid-19 pandemic. It explores how libraries adapted to the challenges posed by the pandemic, focusing on their response strategies, service delivery methods, working hours, and role in the community. A qualitative research approach was used, involving interviews with three librarians to gather insights. The findings reveal that many libraries were physically closed during the pandemic, but they continued to provide services through online platforms. Libraries utilized social media as a primary communication tool, while staff worked remotely, facing challenges in adapting to new working routines. The libraries emphasized their crucial role in supporting the community during uncertain times, offering online resources, e-research support, and digital services. The study highlights the importance of online services in maintaining access to information and education during the pandemic. It also discusses the impact of the pandemic on library operations, including changes in service delivery, the use of digital technologies, and the implementation of new norms and practices. The study concludes that libraries have adapted effectively to the pandemic by embracing digital technologies and providing essential services to the community. The research also emphasizes the need for continuous training and development of library staff to ensure the effective delivery of services in the new normal era. The study underscores the importance of libraries in promoting social inclusion, education, and lifelong learning, especially in the context of a global pandemic.This study compares the library services provided in Bangladesh and Malaysia during the Covid-19 pandemic. It explores how libraries adapted to the challenges posed by the pandemic, focusing on their response strategies, service delivery methods, working hours, and role in the community. A qualitative research approach was used, involving interviews with three librarians to gather insights. The findings reveal that many libraries were physically closed during the pandemic, but they continued to provide services through online platforms. Libraries utilized social media as a primary communication tool, while staff worked remotely, facing challenges in adapting to new working routines. The libraries emphasized their crucial role in supporting the community during uncertain times, offering online resources, e-research support, and digital services. The study highlights the importance of online services in maintaining access to information and education during the pandemic. It also discusses the impact of the pandemic on library operations, including changes in service delivery, the use of digital technologies, and the implementation of new norms and practices. The study concludes that libraries have adapted effectively to the pandemic by embracing digital technologies and providing essential services to the community. The research also emphasizes the need for continuous training and development of library staff to ensure the effective delivery of services in the new normal era. The study underscores the importance of libraries in promoting social inclusion, education, and lifelong learning, especially in the context of a global pandemic.
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