CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIES DURING COVID-19 CRISIS AMONG NOCEI MEMBER SCHOOLS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

Objective. As the world continuously grapples with the massive impact of COVID-19 pandemic on all domains of life, higher education institutions (HEIs) are at the forefront of reshaping and redefining their operations, mostly transitioning into online delivery of services where libraries are not exempted. The way libraries around the globe continue to face their mandate of providing knowledge resources merits research attention, especially in the context of the present health crisis. This study aimed at identifying the challenges and strategies of academic libraries during COVID-19 crisis among member schools of NOCEI, a consortium of higher educational institutions in Region IV-A (CALABARZON), Philippines. Methods. Descriptive in nature, the study utilized online survey which was accomplished by 31 head librarians from the said organization. Results. Findings revealed that barriers on transformation from physical collections to digital format, reduced budget cuts and decrease in purchasing and usage of print and physical materials are the top challenges encountered while there was a strong agreement on strategies utilized primarily on the availability of various online library services for clients and assistance through the Ask a Librarian chat service where students have access to librarian’s help in real-time through virtual chat. Conclusions. As a whole, results implicate the need for HEIs to ensure sustainability of library services during and beyond the pandemic, highlighting various measures that would respond to the ever changing landscape of education and knowledge sharing.