The work of libraries during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and at present

Abstract

This article analyses how the world's libraries have performed during the pandemic of the new infectious coronavirus disease COVID-19 and the present time. It is shown that each library chooses its own ways and methods of working with users, depending on the epidemiological situation in the country. As the epidemiological situation changes, so do library technologies. The various restrictive and hygienic measures that libraries used both during the COVID-19 pandemic and at present are described. The article presents the results of scientific research on the possible contamination of library materials and computer equipment in libraries carried out around the world, as well as specific recommendations on how to handle library materials and equipment, developed by researchers to minimise the risk of possible virus infection for staff and readers. The article offers an overview of the new library services provided by libraries around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic and the socio-cultural activities of libraries during this period. The results of library work during this period are summarised and it is shown that during the pandemic, library professionals have come to a new understanding of working with digital library resources, requiring the mastery of new principles and approaches, technological solutions, systems and services used in librarianship, as well as coming to the conclusion that the role of the librarian in this process needs to be transformed.