In this mini-chapter, we will describe how HKUST Library adapted flexibly in the face of challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, to eventually reach a “new normal” in delivering collections and services to students, faculty, and staff virtually and in-person. It will cover hygiene and physical protection of the facility and its collections;social distancing measures for library staff at work and for library patrons;virtual access at work and for patrons;user education;and new services developed in the face of COVID-19. It will consider what methods enabled the Library to cope with changes and what innovations will likely become the “new normal” going forward. © 2021 David Baker and Lucy Ellis Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Working towards a “new normal”: HKUST’s innovations and adaptations in response to COVID-19