Czech libraries during the Covid-19 pandemic: qualitative study results
Vol.13,No.2(2021)
Purpose – The paper presents the results of a qualitative study focused on the Czech libraries’ situation during the Covid-19 pandemic, namely in the spring and autumn of 2020, supplemented by an overview of anti-epidemic measures concerning the libraries. It also briefly summarizes the Czech and foreign literature on the topic published so far.
Design/Methodology/Approach – Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with the aim to find out how the anti-epidemic measures influenced library services, including a comparison of the spring and autumn waves. The questions concerned print and electronic holdings and related services, educational activities, community role and library promotion. Information on anti-epidemic measures was obtained through an analysis of government documents and the electronic archive of the e-mail conference „Knihovna”.
Results – For libraries, the spring closure meant a shock, and the subsequent loosening of measures meant chaos and rapid changes, it was necessary to improvise, especially in lending services; anti-epidemic measures also greatly affected the organization of educational and community events, which partially moved online. Libraries had to cope with the need for a different work organization, and at the time of closure they had to find alternative activities. The number of physical loans decreased, while the use of electronic resources increased, although this was not always a significant increase. Some positives were mentioned including the importance of libraries, the interest of readers, changes in thinking that led to the reassessment of certain processes, the development of digital services or verification of the response and adaptation to a crisis.
Originality/Value – Although articles on Czech libraries during the pandemic have been already published, mainly in the form of case studies on individual libraries or regions, but also containing the results of partial questionnaire surveys, a qualitative study of libraries has not yet appeared.
Covid-19; libraries; qualitative study; library services; anti-pandemic measures
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