The academic library post-pandemic: library services and resource use

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly altered the delivery and use of academic library services. While many studies have explored the impact of COVID-19 during the period defined as a pandemic, few studies have explored the impact of COVID-19 on academic libraries post-pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This study examines longitudinal trends in library resource and service use at a large urban public research university during the pre-pandemic, pandemic (2020–2023) and post-pandemic periods. Multiple library metrics were explored. Findings The physical use of the library has partially rebounded since the end of the pandemic, with gate counts and in-person reference interactions increasing, although neither has returned to pre-pandemic levels. Virtual services experienced dramatic growth during the pandemic; virtual consultations have remained an important library service. Instructional activity also recovered following pandemic disruptions, although curriculum-integrated instruction remains below pre-pandemic levels. In contrast, use of online database access, full-text article downloads and interlibrary loan requests continued to decline during the post-pandemic period. These decreases suggest that factors beyond pandemic-related disruptions may be influencing information-seeking behavior. Originality/value This study provides a comprehensive institutional perspective on the long-term effects of the pandemic on academic library engagement. The findings point to a lasting shift toward hybrid service models and evolving patterns of scholarly resource use and highlight the need for continued research into emerging research behaviors and the future role of academic libraries in supporting information literacy and scholarly inquiry.