Flexible Work Scheduling: Can Access Services Staff Continue to Work From Home?

Abstract

When libraries closed around the world due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries were forced to discover how to offer services virtually that they hadn't previously, including Access Services. While Access Services departments typically offer in-person services, Access Services staff members participated, for the first time, in working from home. While some were more productive and able to work effectively in a virtual environment (i.e. Interlibrary Loan) others with tactile jobs (i.e. Stacks Management) were limited during this time. This session will explore what Access Services functions should permanently transition to being offered virtually, as well as discuss the practicality of Access Services staff continuing to participate in flexible working scheduling as libraries reopen and rebound from the pandemic.