Re-positioning university libraries for relevance in a dynamic learning environment

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, university libraries are characterised as highly responsive and receptive to technological innovation, and emergent teaching and learning paradigms in the educational landscape. The exploratory design was adopted to gain insight from library leaders/directors in Ghana. A purposive sampling method was used to sample library directors from four universities in Ghana. Our paper found that libraries in Ghana provide virtual services including libguides, e-resources, online chat systems, etc. to support the changing user needs in the information environment. However, major innovations instituted during the pandemic are discovery services, web 3.0-based, multimedia technology services and research data management. Our paper revealed that, major shifts in pedagogy and technology have occurred in education, demanding effective communication, collaboration, and teamwork by library staff in meeting universities' teaching, learning, and research mandate. Consequently, providing innovative library services and facilities aligned with university pedagogy must be strongly emphasised by the library leaders.