The document discusses the impacts of COVID-19 on library services and the innovative approaches adopted by librarians during the pandemic. It summarizes discussions from the International Librarians Networking Program between librarians from Georgia State University, National Earth Science and Energy Information Center in Namibia, and University of the West Indies. Services impacted included library hours, reference services, and student interactions. Librarians implemented new contactless services like digitization, e-resources, online reference and instruction, and curbside pickup. Over three months, the librarians shared best practices to enhance equitable access to information through technology-enabled discussions.

1. Conversations in the International
Librarians Networking Program 2023
COVID-19 IMPACTS AND LIBRARY SERVICES
The sudden onset of the COVID-10 pandemic significantly impacted all industries, and the library was not saved. All the libraries were closed for a brief period due to health
concerns and social distancing orders. Initially, library staff were assigned work-from-home duties. The library services impacted by the pandemic are as follows:
Library opening hours - Closure of the facility
Face-to-Face Reference services
Interaction with students (Measuring and scaling student interactions and strengthening the relationship with teaching faculty).
Authors and Affiliations
SUCCESS
Weekly one hour meeting with highly committed and dedicated group members
Use of current technology (Google doc, WhatsApp, Email, Canva)
Conclusion
Throughout the three months, we shared and discussed topics of interest, to our professional growth such
as research, future collaboration and publishing, conferences, fellowships and funding opportunity. We
learned best practices on how to serve clients better to enhance eqiutable access to information for all.
Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Enrollment: 52,000 across six campuses
250 degree programs from associates to doctoral
degrees with one of the most diverse student bodies
in the U.S.A.
The main focus of the library is to provide instruction
in information literacy, data literacy, and the use of
technology. Also, to provide content, and
collaborative space.
The Atlanta library consists of 13 floors and houses
over one million books.
Access is provided to over 400 databases.
National Earth Science and
Energy Information Center
Namibia
Ministerial Reference Information Centre.
NESEIC collect, provide and promote adequate use
of comprehensive, accurate, and timely scientific,
mining, and energy information to its diverse
clientele.
Serve more than 250 geoscientists, mineral
investors, students, and the general public.
Hosts more than 3000 books, various journals,
archival databases, maps and photographs
collection.
SIMILARITIES
All authors are employed in academic libraries, with one librarian serving in a ministerial reference research center.
All are actively engaged in various aspects of library work, including instruction, referencing, scholarly communication, and
research librarianship.
These shared roles and responsibilities have further sparked our interests and enthusiasm for our respective fields.
This poster is a reflection of 3 month long fellowship enabled by ILNP fellowship.
Over the course of three months, we engaged in fruitful discussions and exchanges on various subjects related to our professional development.
These topics included research, potential collaborations, publishing opportunities, conferences, fellowships, and funding possibilities.
Through these interactions, we gained valuable insights and knowledge on best practices for improving our services to clients and promoting
equal access to information for all individuals.
Martin Hipangwa, Instruction Librarian
National Earth Science and Energy Information
Center, Geological Survey of Namibia-Ministry of
Mines and Energy, Windhoek-Namibia
Denise George, Education Librarian, Research &
Engagement
Georgia State University, University Library, Atlanta,
Georgia. United States of America
Karen Tyrell, Reference Librarian
The University of the West Indies, Mona Library,
Kingston, Jamaica,
SERVICES IMPLEMENTED DURING THE PANDEMIC
With the onset of the pandemic and the closure of the library, librarians had to seek avenues and innovative ways in an effort to continue their support of students'
teaching, learning, and research endeavors. New services implemented during the pandemic include:
Contactless innovation - Digitization of library resources, dissemination of e-resources to students/faculty via email, WhatsApp, Electronic office hours,
Curbside pickup - Staff member delivering library books to students in their own space/student's locker/car trunks
Online thesis consultation and scrutiny of graduates’ research manuscript
Online information literacy teaching sessions; synchronous and asynchronous
Online Halls of Residence services
Systematic review research
Expertly crafted information literacy tutorials, advanced learner reports, up-to-date database introductions, and an intuitive delivery interface.
DIFFERENCES
One librarian's work is very siloed consisting almost entirely of instruction.
Two librarians perform various tasks at their institutions.
No religious holidays at some universities because of the separation of church and state. Other universities commemorate
religious days.
Curbside pickup - Staff member delivering library book to student
The University of the West Indies, Mona
Library, Jamaica
Student population of approximately 14,506
A total of 7 Faculties offering over 200 programmes
One Main Library and four branches: Medical, Science, Law
and Western Jamaica Campus.
Main focus is to provide access to credible, current and up-
to-date library materials in various formats such as
monographs, journals, conference proceedings,
government documents, and e-resources to support
teaching, learning and research to staff, students, faculty,
and researchers.
The UWI Mona library is committed to providing clients with
efficient service in a friendly environment.
Services include Information Literacy, Thesis Scrutiny,
Virtual/Face-to-Face References among other services
Jamaica, Namibia, United States of America
NESEIC Library Client after COVID. The physical library is stiill a necessity