ERIC Number: ED676037
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2023-May
Pages: 6
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Access to Public Library Services and Materials during the First Nine Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Institute of Museum and Library Services
The fiscal year (FY) 2020 Public Libraries Survey (PLS) contained a special section of 15 survey questions to obtain a comprehensive picture of how libraries responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research brief shares findings from those questions to illustrate how libraries adapted to meet the needs of their communities. During the first nine months of the pandemic, almost all libraries closed their buildings to visitors, for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. However, they also transformed many of their services to function virtually by enabling online registration for access to electronic resources, expanding availability of electronic materials, boosting Wi-Fi signals and duration, allowing for distribution of physical materials outside of the building, and offering virtual library programs. [The Public Libraries Survey is a collaborative effort between the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the state library administrative agencies (SLAAs) of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five outlying territories.]
Descriptors: Public Libraries, Access to Information, COVID-19, Pandemics, Library Services, Internet, Electronic Books, Reading Materials, Change, Electronic Libraries, Library Materials
Institute of Museum and Library Services. 1800 M Street NW 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20036-5802. Tel: 202-653-4657; Fax: 202-653-4600; e-mail: imlsinfo@imls.gov; Web site: http://www.imls.gov


