Maintaining Service while Sheltering in Place How SCATLA Member Libraries Thrived Under the Country’s Most Stringent COVID Lockdown

Abstract

California has consistently been at the forefront of COVID-19 cases in the United States and had stringent regulations to slow the curve and save lives. These regulations have had a dramatic impact on academic libraries in Southern California, with many universities conducting online Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters. This presentation includes:

• An introduction to California COVID-19 restrictions.


• An overview of how SCATLA (Southern California Theological Library Association) libraries have dealt with the COVID-19 restrictions.


• A deep dive into how several SCATLA libraries - Azusa Pacific University, Biola University, Hope International University, and Loyola Marymount University - implemented creative solutions to support their communities during COVID-19 restrictions. Issues of budget, instruction, online support, staffing, physical materials vs online materials, mailing services, and space are discussed in detail.


• Plans for future policies and services in a world affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.