COVID-19 (Disease)

Research Review Seminar Series: Australian public libraries respond to COVID-19, 16 November, 12pm via Zoom.
 

On 24th March 2020 the Prime Minister of Australia declared the immediate closure of libraries across the country as part of the national attempt to slow the rate of COVID-19 infections. This meant over 1,600 public library service points across the country in urban, regional and remote locations, were no longer able to offer services on their premises.
 

[Peer reviewed] Abstract: The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic forced public library staff to rapidly rethink the services they offered as lockdown restrictions meant that libraries as social venues briefly came to an end. Online content was developed overnight to fill the void. This study examines the impact that the contactless operational model has had on library services across Australia, as seen through the eyes of eight public library staff. The qualitative study contributes in-depth data to scant literature about public libraries and the pandemic in an Australian context.

Each year the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) trend reports provide Members, including employees, employers, students and educators, with an understanding of the national library and information science (LIS) education and employment landscape. 
 

Article from INCITE September/October 2021 Volume 42 Issue 5.
 

Discussion of how scenario planning can help inform decision-making processes in libraries when setting strategic directions in times of uncertainty.

Speaker notes for this presentation which discusses:

• Highlights of the HLA Survey results Australasian Health Libraries responses to the COVID 19 pandemic.
• HLA Initiatives in response to the COVID 19 pandemic.
• Redeployment: my journey from the Library to the Emergency Department.
• Insights into Library responses from the international literature.

This presentation (PowerPoint slides) discusses:

• Highlights of the HLA Survey results Australasian Health Libraries responses to the COVID 19 pandemic.
• HLA Initiatives in response to the COVID 19 pandemic.
• Redeployment: my journey from the Library to the Emergency Department.
• Insights into Library responses from the international literature.

Open letter published on Thursday 26 March 2020 petitions Prime Minister, The Hon Scott Morrison MP, and Deputy Prime Minister, The Hon Michael McCormack MP to provide additional support to creative industries in Australia in response to impacts of COVID-19.

Speaker list for a virtual professional development seminar held 26 November 2020, featuring presentations which highlight innovation in health libraries following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Health Libraries Australia Executive (HLA) along with the ALIA Board of Directors supports the safety and well-being of library workers and the health sciences communities. The Executive advocates for the safety of members, colleagues, health care workers, and the general public in the continuing provision of information services and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.