Preparedness of librarians in Zimbabwe in dealing with COVID 19 library closure

Abstract

A study on the preparedness of librarians to offer library services in the face of closure due to the corona virus outbreak was conducted. The data was collected using observation and interviews whereby librarians from all types of libraries were interviewed to explore the services that they would be able to provide during COVID-19 library closure. Five libraries were visited before the lockdown to see how they were dealing with the protection of both the patrons and staff against COVID 19. The findings reviewed that librarians were prepared to offer services by working from home. However, the major challenge was that of internet connectivity and the fact that the patrons were not using online services. Most librarians were not connected expect one institution which was assisting library staff with internet charges. All the other libraries were closed and library staff was assisting patrons through WhatsApp and email using their own resources. The author recommends the need for institutions to assist key library staff members with internet connection so that they would be able to offer research assistance and answer other library queries in times of closure.