Suffice to say that the Covid-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down. The health authorities continue their services without a break with the Government extending and tightening the travel restrictions and lockdowns to contain the spread of the virus. However, these travel restrictions in effect can create economic and social issues. Speaking of the spread of this virus, the first Covid- 19 patient in Sri Lanka was reported on January 27, 2020. However, at present this Covid pandemic has already swallowed up the entire country. Needless to say, It has affected all spheres such as education, economy and society. Among the sectors affected by the Covid spectre is the education sector with exams being postponed and universities being closed. But we must never forget that the library services though not much focused on by anyone, is among the most affected sectors.
In a situation where readers have very limited access to the libraries It has become a challenge for librarians to provide the readers with timely information and other library services without fail. As a response to this challenge. Libraries have developed a number of innovative methods to make their sources of information available to readers. Librarians continue to use these methods to render a great service during the pandemic.
Remote access to E-resources
The main aim of any academic library is to enhance and strengthen the teaching, learning and research processes by installing a seamless document/information delivery system around the country; all libraries of the higher education system have geared up to provide services and access to the readers who have been homebound due to Covid-19. While all the libraries can get the access to the subscribed E – resources many have made a great effort in expanding the existing online services. Notably IITKGP, IITK, IITBBS, IITGN, IITJ, IITI, IITM and IITBHU have displayed complete user guidelines on remote login to get access to the licensed E-resources.
Free and expanded access
As a response to the uncertain and difficult situation, some publishers can be seen providing expanded access to the E- resources (access to the additional materials subscribed by the library) including E-books, E-journals, E-databases and similar resources for a limited period during this pandemic. Libraries have highlighted the links of these free and expanded resources on their portasl to facilitate the visibility of these options available for users. This has enhanced the possibilities for the users to gain the virtual services and visit the library portal frequently. Almost all the libraries have facilitated access points to provide digital versions of newspapers and magazines that can be read by using any convenient handy digital device.
Open access resources
In addition to this, there be found many scholarly resources available, free notably, in the National Digital Library of India (NDLI) such as Shodhganga, a repository of Electronic Thesis and Dissertation, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), AMS Free Online Books, Book Boon, Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB) and many more.
Document supply service
The document delivery service is the physical or electronic distribution of information to a reader’s door step at the request of the reader through a library collection. Registered readers of the library can get access to the information through this method. Moreover, this method enables any reader to receive magazine articles, conference reports, patents and standard licenses.
OPAC
OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) can be cited as an existing online service for exploring other sources of information, including library books. This service has become a feature found in every library today. Undoubtedly, this method has enabled the users to find books and other sources of information in the library.
Chat service
This service is activated to inform the library administration directly either about users’ problems or library requirements or suggestions or allegations.
Newspaper article index
Newspapers which have been made available in libraries can be accessed through this website. Series’s of newspaper articles published in various disciplines have been compiled and posted on the library website with the direct access.
According to these facts it is possible to mobilise all the types of libraries such as the National Library, Public Libraries, University Libraries and Special Libraries to provide library services and information to the readers for them to quench their thirst of knowledge during this pandemic period.