Abstract:
COVID-19 pandemic has created a crisis that drastically impacts academic library
services in various aspects. Continuous lockdowns, closure of libraries, social
distancing and restricted access to circulation services of print materials has paved
ways to rethink new paradigms. The objective of this study is to showcase the
initiatives made by SEUSL libraries to provide efficient services to library patrons
during the crisis of pandemics. Methodology of this study is based on a review of
literature, documentary analysis, and usage statistics of SEUSL libraries. SEUSL
libraries sustained to provide virtual library and information services during the first
wave of lockdown. Subsequently, during the new normalcy situation these libraries
provided both traditional and virtual services by observing the health guidelines and
exit strategies formulated by NILIS, University of Colombo as well as IFLA
guidelines. In particular, SEUSL libraries offer digital information such as, remote
access to scholarly databases, e-books, access to repository, e-theses, online past
question papers and subject gateways. User education is conducted through a series
of ZOOM webinars, and circulated access guides to e-databases. Virtual teaching of
information literacy for undergraduates and postgraduate students is continued
through virtual learning environment. Furthermore, SEUSL libraries provide
scholarly communication support services to the university researchers through
assistance in literature search, delivering articles, coordinating ISBNs, plagiarism
checking, finding authentic journals and archiving. However, these libraries were not
in a position to home deliver print materials and to offer study spaces. The use of
social media was also limited. In conclusion, the SEUSL libraries have successfully
strategized its services to a new paradigm of digital transformation that ensures a
sustainable library and information services.
