Open AccessUncertainty and Resilience
Author(s) -
Megan Welsh,
Ian C. Burke,
James Estes
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
theological librarianship
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1937-8904
DOI - 10.31046/tl.v14i1.2729
Subject(s) - resilience (materials science) , pandemic , covid-19 , psychological resilience , library science , sociology , political science , public relations , psychology , medicine , social psychology , computer science , physics , disease , pathology , virology , outbreak , infectious disease (medical specialty) , thermodynamics
This study examines the experiences of theological library deans and directors in the United States and Canada as they navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey and interview data gathered in spring and fall 2020 provide insight about how library leaders managed change and uncertainty, including the sudden shift to virtual learning environments, meeting changing patron needs, and identifying opportunities amidst unprecedented challenges. The researchers contextualize this research within the recent history of theological education and alongside the limited information available about the impacts of the pandemic on libraries. Further research is needed to understand the long term implications of the pandemic on theological librarianship.