The article, titled “Implementation of EZProxy and Librarian Training to Support Library Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic at Universitas Padjadjaran,” thoroughly explores how Unpad successfully maintained information access for its academic community amidst the challenges of the pandemic. This study highlights two main pillars: technology adoption and librarian capacity building.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for educational institutions, where physical access to the library became impossible. Facing this situation, Unpad innovated by implementing EZProxy, a remote authentication software that allows students and researchers to access thousands of digital scientific resources from anywhere, as if they were on the campus network.
However, technology alone was not enough. The research also delved into training programs specifically designed to equip librarians with new skills. This training enabled them to navigate the complex digital landscape and provide effective virtual assistance to users, ensuring library services continued to run smoothly without interruption.
The study used a descriptive method to analyze the utilization of technology and professional development programs at the Unpad Library. The results show that the implementation of EZProxy was rated as very good in supporting the provision of electronic information resources. This success was confirmed by recent survey data showing high access rates from the academic community.
The study concludes that the combination of the right technological solutions, such as EZProxy, and the role of trained librarians is key to maintaining the integrity of educational services during a crisis. These findings can serve as a model for other institutions in facing similar challenges in the future.
The full article is available at: http://media.unpad.ac.id/files/publikasi/2025/rpm_20250212072551_2782.pdf
Authors: Ridha Amalia, Nadziva Shaqeena, and Ariel Mohammad Alief Yusuf
