Recover, Retrench, Reset: an international symposium exploring the reopening of research libraries and the ‘new normal’ in the Covid-19 landscape

When: Wednesday 3 June 2020, 15.00-17.15 (UK) Check your time zone here.

Format: Webinar via Zoom

Overview

The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented changes in the operations of the world’s research libraries and to those of their parent institutions. As the threat from Covid-19 increased, library services were increasingly realigned as buildings were physically closed. As a result of closure, this period saw research library operations, services, content, and audience engagement transition online at an unprecedented speed.

IARLA have worked to support their respective members navigate this rapidly changing landscape and have recently published a joint statement calling for the enhanced provision of access to Digital Content for Education and Research During the Period of COVID-19 Response.

Moving forward together

Having realigned their services and operations in response to Covid-19, many research libraries are now preparing for the recovery and reopening of their physical libraries. In a continually changing environment of shifting timelines, balancing risks, and changing official guidance, there is great benefit in sharing these plans and emerging experiences. This is especially the case when the timeline for recovery is so uncertain and varies between country to country. For some, lockdown measures are being relaxed, for others lockdown-periods are being extended, and the fear of successive waves of Covid-19 infections are shared by all. In order to respond effectively and appropriately, research libraries need to remain agile in their planning and share learning wherever possible, especially as their experiences of Covid-19 might be similar, but national responses and timelines vary.

Purpose of event

This virtual meeting, convened by IARLA, will explore the future reinstatement of library services in the post- or recurring-Covid-19 environment. It will include speakers from across IARLA’s membership and will enable research libraries to share their plans for the reopening of their libraries in their respective jurisdictions and the recovery of their physical operations.

Who should participate?

The event is aimed at research library deans / directors / associate directors of research libraries and will enable members to place their individual institutional plans within an international context.

Speakers include:

• Lauren Pressley, Associate Dean for Research & Learning Services, University of Washington
• Vivian Lewis, University Librarian, McMaster University
• Helen Shenton, Librarian and College Archivist, Trinity College Dublin
• Jessica Gardner, University Librarian and Director of Library Services, University of Cambridge
• Chris Banks, Assistant Provost (Space) and Director of Library Services, Imperial College London
• Jill Benn, University Librarian, University of Western Australia
• Lorraine Haricombe, Vice Provost and Director of Libraries, University of Texas

Agenda

[Please note: all times are set at British Summer Time = GMT+1 Check your time zone here]

14:45: Virtual registration

Delegates should join the session in time for a prompt start at 15.00.

15:00: Introduction and welcome

Robin Green, University Librarian, University of Warwick, and Chair of Research Libraries UK

15:10: Case studies 1: plans for recovery (United States, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland)

Chair: Astrid Verheusen, Executive Director, LIBER

Each speaker will talk for 10 minutes regarding the preparations they made, or are making, to physically reopen their library and their ongoing experiences.

United States

• Lauren Pressley, Associate Dean for Research & Learning Services, University of Washington

Canada

• Vivian Lewis, University Librarian, McMaster University

Republic of Ireland

• Helen Shenton, Librarian and College Archivist, Trinity College Dublin

15:45: Comfort break

15:50: Case studies 2: plans for recovery (United Kingdom and Australia)

Chair: Mary Lee Kennedy, Executive Director, Association of Research Libraries

Each speaker will talk for 10 minutes regarding the preparations they made, or are making, to physically reopen their library and their ongoing experiences.

United Kingdom

• Jessica Gardner, University Librarian and Director of Library Services, University of Cambridge
• Chris Banks, Assistant Provost (Space) and Director of Library Services, Imperial College, University of London

Australia

• Jill Benn, University Librarian at the University of Western Australia

16:30: Curated panel discussion: recover, retrench, reset in an international context

Commentator and Chair: Lorraine Haricombe, Vice Provost and Director of Libraries, University of Texas, and President of ARL

Lorraine will provide a commentary regarding the shared experiences of our speakers and their institutions, and explore what the future might hold for research libraries in the post-Covid 19 landscape.

Webinar delegates will then be invited to join with Lorraine and our speakers to reflect on their own plans for recovery, commonalities and divergences in experience, and what further we might achieve as a community through sharing our plans.

17.15: Close