Rapidly Remote: Providing Seamless Library Support during a Pandemic

摘要

The core mission of the Health Sciences Library at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) is to provide an environment conducive to student learning and the biomedical information resources necessary for teaching, research, service, and patient care. Similar to other libraries across the nation, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to adapt services and programming to ensure that our mission is achieved-even in uncertain times. As the entire University of Tennessee System moved rapidly into a virtual learning and working environment, librarians were required to take quick action to ensure faculty, students, and staff maintained seamless access to the services . and resources offered through the Library. This column describes efforts adapting services and programming to meet the changing needs of users during the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, this column outlines strategies for engaging patrons in both synchronous and asynchronous learning environments, details of the technologies used coupled with free or low-cost technology alternatives, and insight to the lessons learned throughout the process that may be relevant to practicing hospital librarians.