Challenges and possibilities for libraries under COVID-19

Abstract

To address COVID-19, many libraries in Japan were forced to close to the public. We clarify the situation for libraries under COVID-19 and describe the challenges that the situation revealed. Then, we discuss the roles that libraries are expected to play to deal with the challenges. In particular, we point out the problems of vulnerability and unbalance of libraries in Japan, which have placed unbalanced emphasis on services for on-site users. These pre-existing problems are now brought to light by COVID-19. We report the activities of saveMLAK and “Library” (tentative name) Redesign Conference as solutions to the challenges. In addition, we propose archiving of various materials regarding COVID-19 as the crucial role that libraries should play.