Carrying On: Embedded Librarians During Pandemic Times

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

Librarians at the Erie County Public Library (ECPL) have always provided resources and research assistance to the community and departments of county government. However, not until the COVID-19 pandemic precipitated the shutdown of the library facilities were librarians embedded in other county departments to provide specialized and reliable research and expertise. While library doors were closed, eight library employees were assigned to fill needed roles at the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) and the County Executive’s Public Information Office (PIO). Embedded in these new roles, librarians provided a fast and reliable response to unforeseen pandemic-related needs. While these assignments were created quickly in response to a crisis, they created a framework for continued partnerships and increased cross-departmental cooperation and collaboration.