Academic Library services and Covid-19 Pandemic: The Way Forward

Abstract

This work examined Covid-19 pandemic with its attendance effects on academic library services. It also examined concise history of Covid-19 pandemic, and its present situation in Nigeria. The paper also conceptualized academic library in relation to academic library functions. X-rayed in the work were academic library services in Covid-19 pandemic which include among others; provision of online access, organization of virtual events, assistance in information delivery and referral services, use of social network. Challenges such as inadequate skilled manpower, poor internet services by service providers, apathy of library staff towards social medias among others. The paper recommended provision of adequate funding of academic library, training or workshops/seminars for library staff on use of ICT in library services, improvement on internet, provision of modern equipment and materials by library management for effective services among others. The work concluded that in spite of the dreaded monster (Covid-19), academic libraries in Nigeria are adjudged to providing needed services for academic community in Nigeria.