Olga Einasto

Raamatukogu inimsus: lugejateenindus pandeemia ja sõja vahel

Introduction

Raamatukogu inimsus: lugejateenindus pandeemia ja sõja vahel. Tartu Ülikooli raamatukogu inimsus: lugejateenused pandeemia ja sõja vahel. Kohanemine, e-teenused, kontaktivaba laenutus ja tugi Ukraina sõjapõgenikele.

Abstract

Humaneness of the Library: User Services between the Pandemic and the War The article describes the experience and activities at the University of Tartu Library during the COVID-19 pandemic. The library had to adapt to rapid changes by implementing various measures and services in order to provide its users with the needed resources and introducing, among other features, alternative lending methods, contactless services, a quarantine period in handling books, as well as the emotional support aimed at readers, e.g. the poetry therapy project. Libraries were closed due to the pandemic, but the author emphasises that this did not mean a lack of access. Libraries paid attention to e-resources and online services that had already been successfully developed before the pandemic. The IT infrastructure was upgraded and remote access to information was more important than ever. Globally, the use of e-collections increased significantly during the pandemic. The author discusses the experience of the UT Library in implementing contactless services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The library reacted quickly by launching contactless book lending. The popularity of the service grew rapidly and more than 3000 books were borrowed in the first eight weeks. The author highlights the creative solutions used to design the service, such as the use of the Smart Locker and ensuring the safety of the entire process. In addition, the article reveals the types of most borrowed books during the pandemic, and stresses the important role of the library in supporting both the university and the community under new circumstances. Finally, the author describes the library’s activities in receiving and supporting Ukrainian war refugees, emphasising the library’s role as a safe and helpful environment. The author acknowledges that the pandemic and the war in Ukraine have affected the library’s daily work, but these challenges were met by learning to adapt and to adjust the services if needed.

Review

The article, "Humaneness of the Library: User Services between the Pandemic and the War," offers a timely and insightful account of the University of Tartu Library's experiences and adaptations in response to unprecedented global crises. Focusing on the period spanning the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the abstract clearly outlines the library's proactive measures to maintain and evolve its user services. This piece is particularly relevant for understanding how academic libraries navigate extreme disruptions while upholding their core mission of providing access to resources and supporting their communities. During the pandemic, the UT Library demonstrated remarkable agility, rapidly implementing innovative solutions such as alternative lending methods, contactless services utilizing features like a Smart Locker, and even a quarantine period for handling physical books. The abstract highlights the significant success of contactless lending, with over 3000 books borrowed in the initial eight weeks, underscoring the effectiveness of these creative approaches. Beyond physical resources, the library strategically enhanced its IT infrastructure and prioritized e-resources and online services, leveraging pre-existing strengths to ensure continued access. The article also touches upon the provision of emotional support, exemplified by a poetry therapy project, showcasing a holistic approach to user well-being. Furthermore, the abstract reveals the library's compassionate response to the war in Ukraine, detailing its activities in receiving and supporting refugees, thus reinforcing its role as a vital community hub and a safe environment during turmoil. This article effectively illustrates the transformative power of libraries in times of crisis, emphasizing their capacity for adaptability and human-centered service delivery. By detailing specific initiatives from contactless book lending to humanitarian aid, it provides valuable practical insights for other institutions facing similar challenges. The concept of "humaneness of the library" resonates strongly throughout the abstract, positioning the library not merely as a repository of information but as a resilient and compassionate social institution vital for supporting both academic pursuits and broader community welfare. The experiences shared by the University of Tartu Library offer a compelling case study on how strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and a deep commitment to user needs enable libraries to thrive and remain indispensable even under the most demanding circumstances.

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