Copley Library Annual Report 2021-2022

“…our department now bends toward each other for inspiration and support.”

Paradoxically, though, we noted throughout the academic year that the library is also more than just a beautiful building filled with printed books and study areas! Faculty were happy that we continued to support their digital curricular and research library needs. Their frequent requests for online library materials reinforced the likelihood that this trend will continue. Likewise, students used our databases, streaming videos, and e-books wherever and whenever they needed them. Our social media kept them in the loop about library workshops, outreach events, and even our 24-hour access during finals. Finally, as a team of over a dozen full-time USD employees, along with a handful of part-time and evening staff and a cadre of student workers, our department now bends toward each other for inspiration and support. Put simply, we now know and respect each other’s work better than we did. From working hybrid schedules to enforcing mask use and other policies, our collaboration during the height of the pandemic allowed us to keep the library open, safe, and relevant during all regularly scheduled hours. But it took all of us to make that collaboration successful. By showing care and consideration towards the work we needed to do, we never closed unexpectedly or turned away requests for help with our electronic resources at any point during the pandemic due to staff illness from Covid. And throughout, we shared skillsets and projects within the department to maintain the best experience for everyone who needed us, in person or virtually. “…the library is also more than just a beautiful building filled with printed books and study areas!”

2021-22 ANNUAL REPORT 13