Article
Management Practice Changes in Academic Library Technical Services Departments during the COVID-29 Pandemic
Library Resources & Technical Services
(2023)
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about many unexpected changes for academic libraries.
Technical services departments were especially disrupted due to the nature of their responsibilities
and library operations. In response to these pandemic-induced changes, technical
services managers were tasked with maintaining a high level of operations while also navigating
sudden workforce changes including evolving job demands and employees working
off-site. This study documents and analyzes the responses of technical services managers
during the pandemic. Documenting these practice changes will help inform current managers
looking to compare themselves to peers and future managers who may experience a
similar event that causes a sudden shift in operations. Overall, managers reported a high
incidence of change to their typical management practices. Managers made the biggest
changes in communications and practices related to work-life balance. A significant theme
emerged from the analysis that shows technical services managers adding several new practices
to support and care for the mental health of employees.
Disciplines
Publication Date
July, 2023
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5860/lrts.66n4.148
Citation Information
Melanie Jolynn McGurr and Sean P. Kennedy. "Management Practice Changes in Academic Library Technical Services Departments during the COVID-29 Pandemic" Library Resources & Technical Services Vol. 67 Iss. 3 (2023) p. 69 - 78 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/melanie-mcgurr/13/