Public libraries in pandemic time: challenges to reach the community

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the challenges and opportunities that Rio's public libraries face during the pandemic period and reflect on the provision of services offered to communities.

Methodology: Research with a qualitative approach, of an exploratory nature, whose main source of information was bibliographic material available online, data and information collected from the official page of the Municipal Secretary of Culture in Rio, and the social networks of the respective libraries studied.

Results: It was observed that most libraries, regardless of their conditions, tried to provide access to information in a broad and quality way to their users through social networks, reaching their communities. Despite the very difficult time and with several challenges for librarian professionals, who needed to look beyond the pandemic moment, we noticed an effort by institutions to get closer to communities, given the creativity and innovation in the dynamics carried out in online activities.

Conclusions: Considering the analyzes presented in this work, there is a need to establish plans and strategies that enable a broad connection between libraries and their communities. Public Libraries, when using technologies in their favor, provide that their services adequately serve the community they serve.