Public Libraries: Shifting Services and Outreach to Meet Needs of Users in a Pandemic

Public Libraries: Shifting Services and Outreach to Meet Needs of Users in a Pandemic

Social media posts notifying public library patrons of resources and changes in delivery of services during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021.

Libraries provide a wealth of resources for community members. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some libraries had to close their doors, providing alternative delivery of services due to stay-at-home orders in 2020. This collection focuses on the use of social media posts to notify users of shifting delivery of services and of resources available to patrons during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021. The posts were made by public libraries in the western suburbs of Chicago.

The digital objects were created by making screenshots of the original Facebook posts. Dates of the original posts are included to allow for comparisons to be made between libraries of re-opening dates and stages of re-opening.

In this exhibit, one can compare the closing and re-opening dates for libraries in the region as they varied depending on needs of the communities served. Innovative services were developed to meet user needs such as outdoor browsing and curbside pick-up.

Through this collection, it is clear how adaptable and responsive libraries are to their user communities. Many services developed specifically to minimize contact in a pandemic will most likely remain useful once libraries have returned to normal operation post-pandemic.

Public Libraries of the western suburbs of Chicago.

Broadview Public Library

Brookfield Public Library

La Grange Park Public Library

Thomas Ford Memorial Library

Bellwood Public Library

Westchester Public Library

Melrose Park Public Library

Maywood Public Library

Facebook

2020-2021

PNG

English

COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-