Reflections on the pandemic - recording transcript

Fay

So, I guess just knowing that the Library staff are constantly there, whether they're working from home or sitting in the library with fire drills, like sometimes Richard is. Just being able to reach out to them ask for advice and ask for guidance has been a huge relief, even during the hardest points of remote working. Having that support system still continue into remote working has really, really been helpful.

Elliot

So, one of the biggest things for me has just been how the Library have managed to keep things running so smoothly. So obviously people are struggling enough as is, so the fact that I don't have to worry about my sources being online, or I can access postal loans, it's just made things so much better for me, so much easier.

Jessica

One of the most important library services that has helped me during the pandemic has been "Click & Collect". When the Library was closed, I was worried that I'd no longer have access to books. In preparation for assignments, I often rely on printed material for my research as, unfortunately, not everything is available online, but the "Click & Collect" service has been really useful for me, especially as I'm currently living close to campus. I've used the service about four times now, and all my requests have been processed really quickly, and I was able to collect my books the day after I submitted the online form. So, I found the process really simple and convenient while the Library has been closed. There are also staff members nearby in the Library to help me out when I had an issue finding my book, but I think it's also helpful that the Library is offering postal deliveries for books, and some of my course mates who are currently at their home addresses have been using this service and have had positive experiences with it.

Amber

One thing that really helped me was the Warwick Library Instagram page. When I was missing campus, seeing those lovely pictures for taken from all around the campus was really really nice, reminding me what campus looked like and also just giving me that sentimental feeling. Also, it was really great how it was promoting events run by the Library and I could easily see what I could take part in and join. I would definitely recommend giving it a follow so that you can see all the posts yourself.

Elliot 2

Obviously, without the postal loan system and with without all of this, it would just be so much more stress and so much more anxiety-inducing, and I'm sure we've all got enough of that at the moment as is, so it's just been a huge help, a huge help.

Fay 2

I think that the hardest sort of thing to do during remote working is keep that motivation, so having the different Study Happy events, especially "Switch On & Work", has really helped me to switch on my working, rather than switch on Netflix, and actually keep my productivity going through the pandemic.

Jessica 2

Being part of the Library Associates scheme has also been really beneficial. In meetings, I'm able to bring feedback from my course mates who perhaps have had a problem with the library, such as accessing e-resources or navigating the library website, and I'm then able to discuss and present that feedback with library staff. So I always encourage anyone to get in contact with the library associate via the library webpage, as this ultimately helps to implement positive changes that benefit students, and ensure they receive support, especially during these times.

Elliot 3

So, the fact that um that, I can access chapters or entire books through the Scan & Deliver or the postal loan system just meant that I can proceed as usual almost. Obviously, I miss the sort of communal aspect going to the library and everything but it's just made so much of a difference, it's been so much easier...

Fay 3

As a Library Associate I get to bring forward things that I've noticed that the Library could be doing or ways that they could be better supporting students. One of the things that I mentioned at the start of this academic year was the well-being resources that the Library could promote to students. This was listened to by pretty much everyone across the Library, and very quickly the Library started putting into action bringing together new resources or resources that the Library already has to better support students. It was a really nice experience to bring forward something that I noticed the Library could be doing, and be involved in actually getting that put into action and see progress being made towards helping the students.

Elliot 4
It's been nice having the Library Lounge there, obviously, you can't go to the library at present. Most people aren't even on campus so that isn't an option anyway, even though we're in a national lockdown. But it just gives you, I guess, a communal outlet, it makes you feel like you're still in touch with people, I suppose, outside of you know seminars and talking to people anyway. It just adds a little bit of that that pleasant noise to proceedings as well. And there are plenty of opportunities to get engaged with the Library, the Online Lounge and talk to people, discuss things so yeah that's really pleasant being there.