Development and updating of the library's communication policy under martial law: crisis communications

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to determine the general trends and directions of development of the communication policy of libraries in Ukraine after February 24, 2022, based on the analysis of electronic resources of the leading domestic libraries. The methodology consists of the application of general scientific and special methods, namely: methods of analysis, synthesis of comparison and generalization, and the method of documentary analysis, which allow to achieve the purpose. Scientific novelty. The article considers topical issues of establishing communication among libraries during the martial law caused by full-scale military aggression against Ukraine, from 24.02.22 to the present (as of 14.06.22). More than 40 electronic resources of libraries in Ukraine were analyzed to understand the general tendencies of libraries' reactions to military actions inside the country. The peculiarities of the territory, where the libraries locate, are also taken into account – temporarily occupied territories, territories where active hostilities are taking place, or which are subject to constant rocket and bomb attacks, conditionally calm – «rear» territories. The main behavioral factors that affect the level of trust in the organization are studied. The article pays attention to the problem of untimely and insufficient communication of libraries, and the lack of relevant information on the main communication channels. Conclusions. The article proves the need for an immediate, complete, and frank response from library management to the Russian invasion. Recommendations for the communication policy of Ukrainian libraries at the present stage are identified. The issue of the need to transform the activities of libraries following new challenges and threats is considered. Keywords: library, communication, crisis communications, communication policy, electronic resource, website, social networks, martial law.