Pandemic narratives of library and information centers in Baguio-Benguet
ISSN: 2059-5816
Article publication date: 15 August 2023
Issue publication date: 16 November 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to determine the extent of COVID-19’s impact on the libraries and information centers within Benguet. It identified the key differences in the effect of the pandemic on each type of library: public, special, school and academic. It recalled and documented the challenges faced by libraries and librarians. It determined which aspects of their library were affected and how they were modified in terms of their policies, personnel, physical space, services, collection, infodemic response and marketing.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used the qualitative descriptive method approach, specifically narrative research design and conducted online focus group discussions in which 14 librarians with managerial or supervisory functions participated. This method was used to explore the topic holistically by using qualitative inquiry. It best suited the purpose of fully understanding the experiences of libraries during the pandemic. The recorded online focus group discussions conducted through Zoom were reviewed and analyzed to identify key themes and responses from the participants. The themes identified from the thematic analysis were further validated with the participants through correspondence, chats or e-mails.
Findings
The findings showed that libraries were faced with challenges brought on by the lack of a written policy for the pandemic response, a lack of information communication and technology skills and resources, strict requirements on physical setup for pandemic compliance, budget cuts or realignments and delayed procurement, misinformation and users’ lack of awareness of the new services offered by the library.
Research limitations/implications
The study focused on the pandemic experiences of libraries and information centers in Baguio-Benguet, which was hailed as a model for local pandemic response, through the lenses of librarians with supervisory roles or functions.
Practical implications
Libraries could reflect on their experiences in this pandemic to plan for future strategies that would be best implemented in situations where face-to-face services are not allowed.
Originality/value
This study presented various best practices from different library institutions that could be emulated in the future. Many of these are still relevant regardless library services are going back to normal.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The researchers would like to express their gratitude to the librarians and library directors who participated in the focus group discussions; for their time, experiences, insights, and effort in keeping library services alive and relevant despite the pandemic.
Citation
Balbin, D.J.S. and Lascano, E.A. (2023), "Pandemic narratives of library and information centers in Baguio-Benguet", Digital Library Perspectives, Vol. 39 No. 4, pp. 571-603. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLP-01-2023-0004
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited