Browsing by Author "Yeboah, Francis"

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    Rendering Library Services Amid the Corona Virus Pandemic: A Case of The Balme Library of the University of Ghana
    (International Association of University Libraries (IATUL, 2020), 2020) Donkor, Antonia Bernadette; Yeboah, Francis; Afrane, Daniel Akwasi
    The monumental libraries of the past where users could only assess the resources physically have indeed shifted to the virtual use of materials. Libraries of today are truly more than physical building; all over the world, libraries were forced to shut down their physical buildings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Irrespective of the physical closure, most libraries continued to render invaluable services to their users virtually. The Balme library of the University of Ghana was no exception. Ghana recorded its first suspected Corona Virus case on the 12th of March, 2020. Consequently, the government of the Republic of Ghana ordered the closure of all universities and schools indefinitely on the 16th of March, 2020. Entrenched in a circular signed and distributed by the University’s Registrar on the 21st of March 2020 titled ‘Update on the closure of University’ exempted the University of Ghana Library System and for that matter the Balme Library, from the essential services provided by the University under the circumstances of the pandemic. This led to the physical closure of the Balme Library. The physical building of the Balme Library and all other libraries on the campuses of the university were closed. This notwithstanding, the staff and management of the Balme Library did not relent in providing services to the university community. The library launched deeply into the use of its virtual platforms in providing library services to the university community. This paper provides a catalogue of services rendered to the University community and the public amidst the Covid19 pandemic. These services, among others, include Chat with a Librarian, Off-Campus Access to Databases, Online Chat, Online Databases, Online trainings, article request, institutional repository (UGSpace).
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    Strategy for the Resumption of On-Site Operation of the University of Ghana Library System Amid the Corona Virus Pandemic
    (International Association of University Libraries (IATUL, 2020), 2020) Donkor, Antonia Bernadette; Yeboah, Francis; Afrane, Daniel Akwasi
    The availability of information on the nature and spread of the Corona Virus eased the fear and uncertainties surrounding the pandemic after about three months episodes of total and partials lockdowns in Ghana. This saw the government of the Republic of Ghana gradually easing restrictions imposed on citizenry. After nearly three months (90 days) of the closure of the University of Ghana, and for that matter the Balme Library, a hint from the President on the possible re-opening of schools and stakeholder engagements with tertiary institutions sparked up the interest of librarians in looking out for possible re-opening strategies. A purposeful sample of nine senior members was drawn from the population of Senior Members who support the managerial operations of the library. This sample comprised the Reference Librarian and the Head of the various Satellite Libraries in the University of Ghana Library System (UGLS). Through focus group discussions, using virtual platforms such as Zoom and WhatsApp a plan for the safe occupancy of the Libraries was put together to be implemented should the University be called to resume its teaching activities. This paper examines the strategies employed in developing the strategic plan that was implemented for the safe resumption of on-site operation by UGLS amid the Covid-19 pandemic in June, 2020.