Librarians are extremely resourceful, and they can often provide answers in times of need, even in the midst of a disaster such as the COVID-19 crisis. As they pool together their assets, librarians can ensure that their communities are being well-served by e-reserves, the internet, books, social media, videoconferencing technology, and a plethora of other resources.
by Amber Boedigheimer
Posted On June 2, 2020
Law library services have had to change rapidly due to the COVID-19 crisis, and librarians are working hard to come up with the best solutions for delivering them. “[L]ibraries and archives have ‘superpowers’ under the copyright law that allows us to supply our communities with access to materials for research, scholarship, and study,” notes lawyer-librarian Kyle K. Courtney about how libraries can “harness the law” during the crisis.
Librarians are extremely resourceful, and they can often provide answers in times of need, even in the midst of a disaster such as the COVID-19 crisis. As they pool together their assets, librarians can ensure that their communities are being well-served by e-reserves, the internet, books, social media, videoconferencing technology, and a plethora of other resources.
The types of patrons visiting a law library during this unprecedented time are in flux. For example, while many individuals are adhering to the stay-at-home order that was issued in Oregon in March, the homeless population is as in need as ever. This has presented a challenge for law libraries that remain open to the public. While it may not be feasible to offer in-person services for patrons who are homeless, libraries can help this population by making information more accessible. Using tools such as physical message boards for people who are unable to access the internet is a great way to disseminate information to those would otherwise be left out. Message boards can be used to post lists of shelter sites, lists of local food banks, and other community resources. Keeping an updated website that includes health-related resources or links to COVID-19 information is also helpful.
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