The CAELUM Methodology: a unified approach to crisis management across different library contexts
When communities face disruption, from pandemics to wars, economic shocks, or climate disasters, what is the role of university libraries in building societal resilience?
How can they remain safe, reliable, and supportive spaces when society needs them the most?
The CAELUM Methodology answers these questions by presenting a unified approach to crisis management for libraries.
📖 What the methodology offers:
- a framework built on theCAELUM focus groups and a broad literature review about the role of libraries in crises;
- five key library roles in different crisis contexts;
- theoretical insights linked to real case studies from across Europe;
- practical tools and references that support each identified library role.
🔎 Additional highlights:
- Conceptual tools to explore community needs and expectations during crises.
- Common barriers and gaps that libraries may face.
- Engagement strategies to connect with target audiences during uncertain times.
Why it matters? It
- provides libraries with a consistent, Europe-wide approach to crisis response;
- supports the forthcoming pilot case studies of the CAELUM project;
- strengthens libraries as trusted, resilient anchors for their communities.
The CAELUM Methodology is designed not only as a guide, but as a call to action: empowering libraries to serve communities effectively in times of uncertainty.
The report is a deliverable of Work Package 2, Activity 4 (WP2A4), led and produced by Web2Learn, and peer-reviewed by all project partners.