Study on the resumption of in-person activities in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic based on the perception of those responsible for libraries

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Since 2020 the world has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with consequences such as the temporary paralysis of in-person services to the public by libraries. Although Brazil is one of the countries most affected by the pandemic, there have been attempts to return to face-to-face activities in many educational institutions, generating apprehension and doubts among students and employees. In this context, the libraries of these institutions need references on how to analyze their situation and thus establish a safe return strategy.

Objective:

Thus, the research aimed to outline and implement a route of analysis of the conditions for the return of libraries belonging to teaching institutions to face-to-face activities, using the collection and analysis of the opinion of those in charge as to the compliance (or not) of the sanitary criteria indicated by the biosafety protocol of the Regional Council of Library Science of the State of São Paulo 8th Region (CRB-8).

Method:

The research is classified as exploratory, with a quantitative approach and case study design, being an educational institution the case unit.

Results:

Among other results, it was found that 15% of the participants believe that their campus will guarantee the supply of individual protection equipment for servers and users, and 41% believe that there is enough space to guarantee distance between their users.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that the work contributes to the effort of confronting the pandemic by collaborating in the production of an instrument that can be replicated to other institutions, besides inspiring listening actions to those involved in the impediments of confinement.

KEYWORDS:
Library services; Public libraries; Librarian's social responsibility; Promotion of library use; Social inclusion