Library assessment and the COVID-19 pandemic: a practical exemplar

Purpose This case study presents three projects initiated during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic at an academic research library. The projects evaluate the needs of library users and library workers, as well as how students, faculty and staff utilize library resources and spaces since the pandemic. Design/methodology/approach The authors used a case study approach and examined the descriptions and results from the following projects: the Library Service Satisfaction Survey project, the Library Engagement During COVID-19 project and the analysis of EZproxy Logs and Wi-Fi Logs. Findings It was found that the selected projects responded to the pandemic challenges from a user, a library worker and a data perspective. Two of the projects examined in this case study continue to be conducted regularly and all three selected projects have identified valuable and actionable assessment methods or findings for libraries. Practical implications While the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a national emergency, the pandemic has changed libraries in ways that have not been fully researched. The selected projects are systematic and holistic assessment practices that have been conducted before, during and after the peak of the pandemic and have been documenting this crucial time of transformation in libraries. Originality/value These projects collectively show that the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic were not isolated occurrences, but served as catalysts for ongoing transformation. The insights gained enrich libraries’ understanding of student needs, service impact and engagement strategies. These findings underscore the importance of sustainable, flexible, evidence-based approaches to meeting the changing needs of academic libraries, and the university communities we serve.