Managing Technology Operations in Academic Libraries During COVID-19
Regional Conference.
July 30, 2020
Due to the current global pandemic, most educational institutes have adopted alternative methods of information delivery. The University of Miami libraries switched to remote methods of information delivery and library instruction in Mid-March. Telecommuting work arrangements for librarians and library staff had to be rapidly developed and deployed to continue core library services and operations. New technologies, platforms, and solutions had to be adopted by library staff and supported by library technology departments, only with a few days of notice. This session will highlight the emergency planning process of needs-assessment, technology preparation and deployment, operational continuity, and support activities at the University of Miami Libraries. The discussion will focus on the successes, challenges, and lessons learned during this time.
Presenter
Dhanushka Samarakoon is the Head of Library Technologies, for the University of Miami Libraries. He provides leadership, management, budgetary oversight, and expertise to develop and execute the long-term technology strategy in support of the Libraries’ mission. He supervises the departments responsible for the Libraries’enterprise applications, computing infrastructure, and Audio/Videov& event support. He earned his Master of Library Science from Emporia State University and the Bachelor of Information Technology from the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology.