Management of Academic Libraries in Poland During the COVID-19 Lockdown

Abstract

Purpose/Thesis: The article considers the management strategies employed at Polish academic libraries during a crisis situation, using the lockdown imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study. (The lockdown is defined here as the period between March 12th and June 2020). The study identifies the most significant obstacles to operating efficiently in the unstable VUCA environment. Approach/Methods: The author uses research methods of sociology, collecting data from the directors of Polish academic libraries by the means of an online survey, with the response rate approximating 30%. The survey included questions about the organization of information and library services during the lockdown, and about the management obstacles the libraries faced.Results and conclusions: The results suggest that both directors and staff of academic libraries did their best in the crisis situation. They adjusted the information and library service procedures, seeking to efficiently organize remote work, and manage the dispersed work environment. The most often mentioned management obstacles included the necessity for rapid adjustment, the impossibility of long-term planning, and the changing duties. However, the libraries implemented a number of solutions, which may serve them in the future if need be, such as rotational shifts, higher flexibility of organization, and task-oriented approach to professional duties. Practical implications: The study presents procedures to be applied in the case of another lockdown, identifies good practices, and relays the experiences of other academic libraries in order to improve information services at the reader's place of employment; it may inspire them to optimize information and library processes. Originality/Value: It is the first such study of the activity of Polish academic libraries during the lockdown. The results may contribute to discussions about the organizational flexibility of academic libraries and their capacity for adjustment, and well as about the future development or phaseout of certain areas of their activity.