Virtual Reference at Health Sciences Libraries in the Time of COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Library and Information Science
• Health Sciences Librarianship
• Pandemic Response

Background:

• Virtual reference services are integral to modern libraries.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid shift to remote service models.
• Health sciences libraries faced unique challenges in maintaining access to information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how health sciences librarians utilized virtual reference services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To understand the changes in virtual reference service provision before, during, and after the pandemic.
• To identify trends in the adoption of specific virtual reference technologies.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study design was employed.
• A survey was developed and distributed to health sciences librarians.
• The survey collected data on virtual reference service status and changes.

Main Results:

• Virtual reference services became critically important during the pandemic.
• There was a significant shift towards video conferencing for virtual reference.
• This shift occurred for librarians working both remotely and on-site.

Conclusions:

• Health sciences librarians adapted virtual reference services effectively during the pandemic.
• Video conferencing emerged as a key technology for virtual reference.
• The pandemic accelerated the integration of virtual tools in library services.