Document Type
Other
Publication Date
2023
College/Unit
WVU Libraries
Department/Program/Center
Not Listed
Abstract
This chapter details the mediating role embraced by the SSU Library in managing university-wide technology and learning challenges during an unanticipated pivot to remote instruction and is organized according to lessons learned. Responding to COVID disruptions in real time, we identified key areas where our expertise and relationships allowed us to advocate for and support students, while also saying no or limiting our participation in others. Limiting the services provided during a crisis to only those that fit within the core scope of our mission was a powerful tactic that libraries should exercise often and widely communicate. Rather than answering every call to service and overextending ourselves, libraries must embrace saying no and exercise transparency around decision-making. In doing so, libraries conserve energy and resources to deliver core services, thereby ensuring that primary services are thriving, robust, and able to withstand instabilities wrought by crises.
Digital Commons Citation
Fonseca, Catherine; Premo, Rita; and Smith, Hilary, "Saying No to Say Yes: Mediating Student Technology Needs in Times of Crisis" (2023). Faculty & Staff Scholarship. 3285.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/faculty_publications/3285
Source Citation
Fonseca, C., Premo, R., & Smith, H. (2023). Saying No to Say Yes: Mediating Student Technology Needs in Times of Crisis. In Van Kampen-Breit, D. (Ed.), Managing crises in the academic library: past, present, and future. Association of College and Research Libraries.