The changing landscape of academic librarianship in the Covid -19 era in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were felt in all sections of the society, libraries included. A study was done to examine the changing landscape of academic librarianship in Zimbabwe as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study paper was to assess the changes that were brought about to three university libraries due to the pandemic and examine the challenges that were faced by academic librarians in meeting the information needs of patrons. Data was collected through an online questionnaire that was distributed to University Library Directors, Deputy Directors, Technology Librarians, Reader Services Librarians and Technical Service Librarians to gauge the effects of COVID-19 on service delivery. A multiple case study approach was used and three public university libraries were sampled using random sampling. The findings of the study showed that all the library services were greatly affected by the closure of physical libraries as a way of avoiding the spreading of the virus. Students were forced to vacate halls of residence and were not allowed on campus although they were supposed to continue learning so as to finish the semester. Academic librarians were forced to redesign their services and were offering off campus e-resources as well as virtual reference services to keep assisting the patrons when teaching and learning shifted online. The major challenge experienced in the delivery of library services to remote users included issues of internet access, electricity connectivity, bandwidth in far flung areas and shortage of equipment to deliver the services. The authors recommend the urgent need to reskill and upskill the academic librarians to be able to fully operate in a virtual environment as well as to remain relevant in the “new normal”. Institutions should be intentional in offering support to academic libraries so that they get the necessary infrastructure to offer library services and products in the digital and COVID-19 era.