Report on the University of Michigan Library’s COVID-19 Campus Survey

Abstract

In response to state and University guidelines designed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the University Library buildings at the University of Michigan (U-M) were closed on March 20th, 2020. Four days earlier, on March 16th, all U-M classes moved to remote instruction. Also during mid-March, University events were cancelled, most students left campus, and guidelines for research involving human subjects were altered to prevent most face-to-face interactions between researchers and participants. These sudden changes to the academic landscape at U-M are unprecedented. In order to better understand how to support students, instructors, and faculty and student researchers, the University Library launched a survey seeking input on the U-M community’s Library-related needs. A diverse sample of 2,146 students and faculty members responded to the survey. Among the many findings, the following emerged as key issues for the Library to address: (1) finding a way to restore some access to physical Library materials needed for teaching, research, and coursework (including the restoration of some features of document delivery and ILL; (2) continuing to enhance access to electronic resources; (3) enhancing connections with Library staff who can offer consultations and instruction on a wide array of topics; and (4) conducting more effective Library communication and outreach to faculty members and students about the broad array of resources people can access remotely, and how to use those resources efficiently and effectively.