So What Did You Do During the Pandemic? The Planning, Hosting and Outcomes of a Virtual Summer Research Forum

Abstract

As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, traditionally in-person professional events were quickly converted to online only forums, conferences, and meetings. Academic libraries and academic library associations also treated the new, largely virtual professional environment as an opportunity to launch new professional development opportunities. This article describes the planning, implementation and reactions to the Summer Research Forum conducted by the Association of College and Research Libraries - Louisiana Chapter. The motive was to provide an online platform for Louisiana librarians to showcase their current research projects. The Summer Research Forum consisted of ten lightning round presentations, followed by a moderated open discussion related to the pandemic’s impact on academic librarians. We surveyed the attendees afterward and asked them to provide feedback on their experience, as well as to rank the benefits of attending this virtual professional development program. The results of the survey will be discussed in this article.