THE LIBRARY IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD: REPOSITIONING LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES AMONG HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS (HEIS)

Abstract

Libraries are changing. Library leaders envision the library of the future as a hybrid institution that seamlessly integrates both digital and physical book collections.  This reflects a shift towards a more user-centered approach, where libraries cater to the evolving preferences of patrons who value access to information in both traditional and digital formats. The study is aimed at describing the various strategies of academic libraries in repositioning their programs and services in a post-pandemic environment. The study utilized the qualitative research design particularly thematic analysis by Clarke and Braun. In qualitative research, thematic analysis (Maguire & Delahunt, 2017) is a method for identifying and analyzing recurring patterns or themes within data. In this particularly study, thematic analysis was used to describe the strategies and challenges that academic libraries experience in repositioning their programs and services in the midst of a pandemic with the view of suggesting measures on how to redesign library programs and services into a post-pandemic environment.  Including all Central Luzon Digital Library Consortium members in the study minimizes margin of error, enabling population characteristic inferences. Data gathered have been analyzed using the thematic analysis developed by Braun and Clarke (2006) which involves six phases.