Through a clear plexiglass window, a student staff member waves a welcoming ‘hello’ to UBC Library patrons entering the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre. The student’s shining, friendly eyes make it abundantly clear that behind their mask is a big smile.
The cover of Innovation & Success 2021 [1] - the BC Electronic Library Network’s annual report - captures a moment showing how post-secondary libraries have continued to adapt to restrictions and challenges brought about by COVID-19, and have striven to meet needs of their students, faculty, and researchers in as welcoming a way as possible.
Online delivery of services has been a crucial component of supporting post-secondary library users through the pandemic, and BC ELN has played a role in helping libraries do that. Wherever they are studying, BC ELN connects students in BC and the Yukon with electronic resources, fast and friendly support through AskAway and WriteAway, and additional resources via interlibrary loan or Arca collaborative repository.
Innovation & Success 2021 tells the story of post-secondary libraries doing great things together, even through challenging times. A few highlights from this year’s report:
Download Innovation & Success 2021 and see previous reports at: https://bceln.ca/about/bceln-reports/innovation-success [2]
An accessible version of the report, appropriate for folks with low vision, those using a screenreader, or those who prefer a version that has a lighter visual touch, is available at: https://bceln.ca/sites/default/files/reports/Innovation_Success_Accessible_2021.pdf [3]