Raamatukogu inimsus: lugejateenindus pandeemia ja sõja vahel

Abstract

Humaneness of the Library: User Services between the Pandemic and the War

The article describes the experience and activities at the University of Tartu Library during the COVID-19 pandemic. The library had to adapt to rapid changes by implementing various measures and services in order to provide its users with the needed resources and introducing, among other features, alternative lending methods, contactless services, a quarantine period in handling books, as well as the emotional support aimed at readers, e.g. the poetry therapy project. Libraries were closed due to the pandemic, but the author emphasises that this did not mean a lack of access. Libraries paid attention to e-resources and online services that had already been successfully developed before the pandemic. The IT infrastructure was upgraded and remote access to information was more important than ever. Globally, the use of e-collections increased significantly during the pandemic.

The author discusses the experience of the UT Library in implementing contactless services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The library reacted quickly by launching contactless book lending. The popularity of the service grew rapidly and more than 3000 books were borrowed in the first eight weeks. The author highlights the creative solutions used to design the service, such as the use of the Smart Locker and ensuring the safety of the entire process. In addition, the article reveals the types of most borrowed books during the pandemic, and stresses the important role of the library in supporting both the university and the community under new circumstances. Finally, the author describes the library’s activities in receiving and supporting Ukrainian war refugees, emphasising the library’s role as a safe and helpful environment. The author acknowledges that the pandemic and the war in Ukraine have affected the library’s daily work, but these challenges were met by learning to adapt and to adjust the services if needed.