Public Library Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic: the role of social media for Canadian Urban Public Libraries.

Abstract

This mixed method qualitative research aims to analyse the role of social media in Canadian urban public library resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Facebook and Twitter social media content was collected from a sample of ten urban public libraries across Canada to analyse how libraries have responded and adapted to the closure of library buildings with minimal prior notice, through their use of social media during this pandemic. The research objectives include analysis of the value of social media as a platform to provide community outreach and engagement, crisis management, health literacy, and support of mental health during this challenging time of change.

Analysis of the data was performed using a combination of template coding, open coding and sentiment analysis

The data and findings from this research provide an insight to the potential of social media as a strategic and valuable resource for public libraries. In addition, the research outcomes may support crisis management policy planning for public libraries.