Academic Library Power Dynamics as Experienced Through the Pandemic Response

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: Transforming Educational Systems: Views From Campus Units

Abstract

Academic Libraries are fundamental for equitable access to credible information; however, libraries are often overlooked and underfunded. The COVID pandemic amplified these budgetary and power inequities (McKenzie, 2020). This study investigates how the positionality of libraries influenced library leaders’ decision-making in response to the pandemic. Some library leaders reported that working closely with other campus departments strengthened their connections, while others reported that disagreement between library staff and university administration caused discord between the library and it’s institution. Some were forced to cut staff funding or felt pressured to open while others were trusted to choose their budget and service priorities. Study findings provide lessons for future planning.

Authors

• Sarah Rose Fitzgerald, University of Massachusetts

• Sarah Hutton, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Rebecca Reznik-Zellen, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Charlie Barlow, Boston Library Consortium

• William Oldham, Colby College