2.7 Potential Implications of COVID-19 on Library Space Given the rapid pace of change that the COVID-19 global pandemic has brought, planning for an uncertain future is a challenge as people try to find new ways of living, working, playing, and connecting with each other. Clearly, this is unchartered territory and Public Libraries must continually assess and adjust their expectations, practices, and norms. Library services were heavily impacted by the pandemic and the subsequent public health response. The pandemic has the potential to affect the long-term demand for and delivery of library services, however, the ultimate scope and scale of change is unknown. Long-range planning and strategic investment are believed to be as vital as they have ever been in order to support the significant role that the Public Library plays in the personal, social, and economic recovery/revitalization of the community. Recognizing that the situation is evolving and new information and guidance is emerging on a regular basis, communities must prepare for a wide range of scenarios. The following are some preliminary thoughts about how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect the sector in the short to longer-term.
“Hard times bring libraries’ value into sharper focus.” ~ American Library Association, The State of America’s Libraries
The Importance of Libraries During a Pandemic Personal levels of stress and anxiety are running high during the pandemic and work/life balance is creating challenges for many. Even before the pandemic, libraries provided a place for respite for many Canadians. The Public Library will play a critical role in the mental and physical health recovery of citizens – particularly those living in urban environments – and can be expected to play an equally important role in community economic revival. Brampton Library has always played a strong role in the city and its various communities, and there is every reason to believe that the library will continue to be a pivotal part of the community fabric during and after the pandemic. Access to public spaces and programs is a fundamental service for Canadians, especially children, seniors, and marginalized populations. It is entirely possible that the pandemic will help to create a new and greater appreciation for the benefits of library services, many of which provide respite from the growing social isolation faced by Canadians. To respond to the needs of citizens, investment in public libraries must continue. Acceleration of Digital Content & Service Plans Brampton Library is among many systems province-wide to have refocused efforts to improve their ‘Digital Library’ and online collections/resources; while many library systems have been trending in this direction for a number of years, the pandemic has accelerated the rollout of digital content in certain communities. London Public Library, Oakville Public Library and a number of other systems have followed suit of many of their counterparts and are now offering virtual library programming such as online book clubs, livestreaming story times on Facebook Live or InstagramTV, and are targeting programs to specific age groups (e.g. children, teens and older adults). The pandemic has the potential to increase uptake of digital library services since Canadians have been forced to adopt greater use of technology and online services, beyond those offered by the library, as part of their daily lives. While there has always been a segment of the population that has an advanced technological proficiency, the pandemic may lead to greater comfort in the use of technology amongst the mass market and possibly entice people that have been historically reluctant in their use of technology to incorporate it to a greater degree in their daily lives. Unemployment resulting from the pandemic may also lead to greater use of the library’s internet services and employment resources among prospective job seekers.
Library Facilities Master Plan Monteith Brown Planning Consultants Ltd. + Perkins & Will
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