The Academic Library (Not Quite) Post-Pandemic: Taking Advantage of COVID Aid

Sponsored by OverDrive Professional

Recorded on 06/21/2021
Posted in The Authority File

Episode 199

In March of 2021, the United States Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a $1.9 trillion stimulus bill in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill included an expansion of health care access, unemployment benefits, and rental assistance—not to mention direct stimulus payments to many Americans. But how has the bill impacted higher education? Can university libraries reap any benefits?

In this third episode, Steven Rosato from OverDrive Professional digs into how COVID aid can help academic institutions subdue the effects of budget cuts from the past year. Whether used to recoup lost revenue or subsidize digital learning investments, Steven explains how the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) III section of ARPA can support universities and their libraries. Steven also shares his long-term purchasing trend predictions and reflects on the staying power of social justice and political titles.


About the guest:

Steven Rosato
Manager of the Sales Team
OverDrive Professional


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