Delivering his keynote address in a webinar, Mark Ritchie, Vice President of Eclat Engineering said that the activities of library users are taking place remotely or in a virtual environment and libraries should also adopt the change. Comparing functions of libraries in pre-Covid and the post-Covid periods, Mark said, “There has been a complete shift in the way libraries used to function earlier. Now library users are in the virtual world and thus libraries should also adopt new normal policies. He said, “The modern libraries should adopt digital first approach and thus platforms should also be robust.” Talking about the Covid-19 pandemic, he said, “It is the best time to adopt, build and reinstate the libraries as a true pillar of providing information and creating culture.”
Mark was delivering his address in a webinar organized by MyLOFT (My Library on Finger Tips) in association with iGroup. The iGroup focuses on knowledge management and caters to the needs of its customers including librarians, students, academics, educators, scientists and research professionals.
Sharing insights from a recently conducted survey by MyLOFT to understand the preparedness of libraries during Covid-19 pandemic, he said, “Libraries adopt eResources, online access to remain afloat during a pandemic. The survey results show that 95% of the participants feel that ease of access is a critical element in adopting new technology.”
In the webinar in which librarians, library science professionals, researchers, professors and CXOs from many reputed organizations from Indonesia, Malaysia, Oman, Philippines and Vietnam have participated.
Later, Amit Shukla, AVP of Eclat Engineering provided a live demonstration of MyLOFT.