Measures and Initiatives Adopted by Indian University Libraries During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

In times of global health emergency and nation-wide lockdown due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the smooth functioning of the academic system has been poorly affected or suspended in India from the middle of March 2020. However, the entire operations of libraries are compensating with the applications of information and communication technologies (ICTs). In this chapter, the authors adopted the mixed-method approach, which brings out the methods, policies initiated by libraries in 'new normal', and to know the status of library operations during the lockdown. Authors mapped out the experiences of professionals during 'work from home'. Findings of the chapter show that the libraries are struggling to sustain their services to cater to the needs of the university students whose academics has been shoddily affected. Further, it reveals that majority of the respondents have adopted unique initiatives and precautionary measures in the 'new normal'. The librarians call themselves 'information warriors' which showed an optimistic attitude while struggling in an unprecedented situation.