Library Chronicles

Innovation in the time of COVID

by Julie Kent, Library Services Manager

The pandemic has certainly presented librarians with challenges. But, it has also given us the opportunity to find innovative ways to connect with our communities when we could not do so in person, making more resources and services available electronically. And, the Toronto Botanical Garden’s Weston Family Library is no exception. There have clearly been losses: physical book loans were fewer during closures, engagement with patrons diminished and many services were cancelled. We missed providing you, our patrons, with comfortable, safe physical spaces. We missed personally interacting with you to help meet your information needs and provide the resources necessary to learn about your gardens, cultivation, garden design, floral arranging and more. For all libraries—public, academic and special—rebuilding community engagement will take time, passion and energy. Librarians continue to rethink and research how we can contribute to our respective communities during times of disruption and upheaval.

Libraries are adapting in several ways despite the growing challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions. To thrive in these taxing times, libraries must establish well-structured approaches to ensuring continuity, consistency and innovation of services. We must prioritize acquiring electronic resources and increase efforts to digitize resources that are only available in printed copies. Library services are shifting to the online environment offering workshops and tutorials. We provide self-help options for you to find and place items on hold and to provide access to digital content.

Even during regular times, the lives of librarians and our volunteers, patrons and staff are teeming with challenges both personal and on the job. Small challenges can compound until they seem overwhelming. This year has been unique. We’ve all had to do extraordinary things in exceedingly difficult circumstances. Despite the challenges, at Weston Family Library we have also created some bright spots and positive changes.

Informed Decisions

Focusing on the needs of our members and community, we strive to include these as we make informed, evidence-based decisions about which library services and resources have the potential to empower and support them. At Weston Family Library, we recently surveyed our members to learn how you use the library and how to better serve you. We learned that 90 per cent of respondents were aware that their TBG membership includes borrowing privileges. nearly 65 per cent believe the library to be a valuable member resource. We also learned that 55 per cent like learning how to use library resources with short instructional videos.

We continue to develop and use systems to make access easy. Our webpage and library catalogue have been redesigned. The dynamic webpage reflects new and enriched services and resources in a content-rich environment. The catalogue redesign highlights specific resources, offers book lists and provides access points to digital magazines and databases.

We have created safe, welcoming environments where people can read, explore the collection, research and contemplate as COVID-19 restrictions allow. Rearranged shelving and seating promote safe physical distance practices. The collection is reorganized to make browsing the shelves easier and more enjoyable.

We keep up to date with literature and information published for users of all ages and abilities and do our best to make these available. Volunteers and staff continually update service practices, take part in library training, adapt to the current pandemic protocols and explore new ways to design and deliver services. We stay informed on innovative technologies, tools and platforms and explore how to use them ourselves and support others. The library’s online catalogue automatically sends an email notice when you check out and check in materials, when items are coming due and when creating a new library account. We are exploring software for the public-facing computers to read website text aloud for users with audio or visual challenges.

Resilience

Aslibrarians we recognize that challenges, uncertainty and change are inevitable. While adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic, we gain meaningful practices and understanding of the importance of well-being and kindness—looking after ourselves to look after others. We continue to develop strategies to help bounce back when stressed or stretched in new ways. In our work, we design flexible and adaptable services that reduce challenges and barriers and give people options to access library services and resources that work best for them.

Future-focused

What are the future challenges for libraries and librarians? how will we mark successes? When we hear about innovative ideas, resources and tools, we think about their potential impact on the library’s services, the budget and the opportunities to improve our users’ access to resources. The pandemic has presented a crisis-driven chance for libraries to advance online capabilities more quickly and more deeply into library service offerings.