Library Access during Pre- and Post-Pandemic: Case of a State University

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the traditional operations of academic libraries worldwide. In response to the shift towards remote learning and working, this study was conducted to develop and implement a Contextualized Pandemic-Proof Library Program for the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture Calabanga Campus Library. The study aimed to describe the level of access to library services for students through document analysis, develop a contextualized pandemic-proof library program, and determine the program's effect on student access to library services. Findings reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly decreased the total number of accesses to library services, resulting in a low level of access for students. However, the implementation of Project LIBRO, the developed contextualized pandemic-proof library program, resulted in a dramatic increase in access to library services. The average access per month increased by 235.97% in 2022 compared to 2021, with offline access increasing by 597.33% and online access by 102.00%. Based on these significant findings the study suggests continuing to implement and promote Project LIBRO, gathering feedback from students, conducting further research, and exploring how the program can be adapted to continue providing valuable services in a post-pandemic context.