Aspects of the pandemic that have become ubiquitous include the usage of masks, social distancing, and restrictions on travel, entertainment, and dining. We’ve also borne witness to the further unraveling of our social structures as inequities in our healthcare, education, and justice systems have become starkly evident. While news media refer to our ability to ‘pivot’ to the new normal, the reality of our lived experiences reveals uncertainty as to how to cope, understand and/or record the pandemic’s effects. This conundrum is also present in university libraries and the ways changing forms and types of information engender new debates on archives.

This panel invites on-the-ground community activists to share their experiences of building and growing mutual-aid efforts in response to the COVID-19 crisis.