Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the landscape of knowledge and information services that public libraries around the world have been providing since modern times. In particular, as social distancing has become routine, the contraction of cultural activities and the shift to online platforms have negatively impacted library visitation and use services, greatly reducing borrowing and reading, use of spaces and facilities, interlibrary loan services, program operations, and outreach services. Therefore, this study investigated and analyzed the current status of services provided by public libraries in Korea and abroad in response to COVID-19, and proposed practical ways to improve and expand services in response to COVID-19 based on the results of a survey of librarians’ perceptions. Specifically, these include improving the online reservation system for reading and borrowing services and developing and providing various outreach services, acquiring and expanding electronic resources, expanding online program services (reading, culture, lifelong learning, etc.), strengthening library services for vulnerable populations, providing information portal services related to new infectious diseases, strengthening facilities and space provision services, preparing infectious disease response guidelines, and providing education and training to strengthen librarians’ capabilities.