Accessible and inclusive collections: enhancing the reach of library and archive collections through remote technologies

Abstract The closure of libraries and archives during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic restricted access to research and learning materials. Successive periods of national lockdown, and on-going social distancing rules, have significantly disrupted the ability of scholars to conduct research and have affected the student learning experience. In response to these challenges, research libraries and archives have been experimenting with the provision of geographically remote access to heritage and cultural collections through the creation of Virtual Reading Rooms (VRRs) and Virtual Teaching Spaces (VTSs). Research Libraries UK (RLUK), in collaboration with its partners, has been tracking the development of these services since 2020 and investigating their potential as digital research infrastructure. It has conducted three international studies exploring the institutional perspectives with regards to their creation and delivery as well as the academic perception and use of the services. This paper will bring together the results of the two most recent international surveys (Kamposiori, 2022a; Kamposiori, 2022b) exploring their development and use. The first survey documented the most recent innovations in the development and delivery of VRRs and VTSs across the international research library and archives community. The second survey explored the academic, research, and student awareness of and experience with VRRs and VTSs. Findings showed that remote technologies have strong potential to transform collections and make them more accessible and inclusive, as well as facilitate collaboration. Thus, research libraries and archives which have either developed VRRs and VTSs or planning to develop these services are currently considering how remote technologies can be best utilised in the post-pandemic era to engage successfully with a variety of user communities locally and internationally, such as during virtual or hybrid/ blended sessions. Presenting the user perspective alongside the survey results on current practices in the development of VRRs and VTSs will aim to generate discussion around service improvement and sustainability through the creation of audience focused strategies. The goal of the paper will be to demonstrate how the reach of library and archive collections can be enhanced through the use of remote technologies and provide recommendations for the development of VRRs and VTSs based on user experience. Finally, it will touch upon the theme of partnerships and connections by highlighting the potential of these technologies to foster cross-institutional collaboration for the benefit of users