The impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the Founders Library at St. George's University, Grenada, West Indies
Date
2022
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Library and Information Association of of Jamaica
Abstract
Purpose: This paper describes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on operations of the Founders Library at St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies.
Non-empirical research technique: Personal observation and reflection on current events utilizing the authority/experience of the author were used.
Findings: The Library closed physically and services were moved to online-only mode from mid-March 2020. Strategies by the University and activities undertaken by Library personnel during the initial response; the work from home period; and the subsequent phased reintegration of staff when the Campus reopened to limited in-person classes for students of the School of Arts and Sciences by mid-August 2020—are outlined.
Research limitations/implications: This first-hand account, reflecting a management and leadership perspective and written whilst the pandemic is ongoing, is a unique reflection on events; thus, would necessarily reflect the sole perspective of the author.
Originality/value: To date there are no other publications on the effect of the pandemic on Founders Library and few, if any, on its effects on the wider Caribbean. This article will serve as a primary source of information for analysis when post-pandemic research investigates its final effects on libraries in the Caribbean and should prove to be useful in terms of planning for situations of uncertainty, whatever the cause.
Theoretical/Practical/Social/ Implications: An adaptation of project management’s urgent/important prioritization matrix on which to base selection of projects is proposed. It is recommended that ‘urgency’ and ‘impact’ may be more useful criteria for analysis under pandemic conditions and for contingency planning in emergency situations.
Description
Table of Contents
Keywords
COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- -- Social aspects -- Grenada
Citation
Renwick, Shamin. 2022. “The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Founders Library at St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies.” LIAJA Journal 3 (2022): 220-43.