Pandemic Pressures in Universities and their Libraries: A View from Australia

Tucker, K., & Batagol, B. (2021). Pandemic Pressures in Universities and their Libraries: A View from Australia. Legal Information Management, 21(3-4), 129-145. doi:10.1017/S1472669621000256

27 Pages Posted: 1 Mar 2022

See all articles by Kay Tucker

Kay Tucker

Monash University

Becky Batagol

Monash University - Faculty of Law; Monash University - Monash Sustainable Development Institute

Date Written: 2021

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has heavily impacted Australian universities and their libraries but has been felt most strongly by students and staff who are already marginalised. This article draws upon both published literature and the authors’ own experiences as a librarian and academic employed at Monash University, Australia’s largest university. Important lessons from the pandemic for universities and university libraries at times of crisis and disaster include: actively recognising and responding to structural inequalities amongst students and staff; organising services so that all can participate to their fullest ability; providing students with opportunities for social connection, enhanced digital capabilities, safe and inclusive spaces and accessible materials; as well as flexible employment practices.

Keywords: universities, libraries, university libraries, COVID-19, tertiary education, gender, gender equality, race

Suggested Citation

Tucker, Kay and Batagol, Becky, Pandemic Pressures in Universities and their Libraries: A View from Australia (2021). Tucker, K., & Batagol, B. (2021). Pandemic Pressures in Universities and their Libraries: A View from Australia. Legal Information Management, 21(3-4), 129-145. doi:10.1017/S1472669621000256, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4045149 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4045149

Kay Tucker

Monash University ( email )

Australia

Becky Batagol (Contact Author)

Monash University - Faculty of Law ( email )

Wellington Road
Clayton, Victoria 3800
Australia

Monash University - Monash Sustainable Development Institute ( email )

Victoria
Australia

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