Here are some useful resources:
COVID-19 Related Funding from the Grants Station
IMLS Announces New Stimulus Funding for Communities Across America
PLA Emergency Preparedness
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
While writing up the minutes from the meeting last week, it seemed ALA and PLA websites were down for maintenance. I've searched and found a few resources, including ALA and PLA, for possible sourcing for grants/monies for small libraries and further resources for pandemic preparedness.
Here are some useful resources:
COVID-19 Related Funding from the Grants Station
IMLS Announces New Stimulus Funding for Communities Across America
PLA Emergency Preparedness
Here are some useful resources:
COVID-19 Related Funding from the Grants Station
IMLS Announces New Stimulus Funding for Communities Across America
PLA Emergency Preparedness
Saturday, May 23, 2020
ASRT Meeting Minutes, May 21, 2020, via Zoom
Attendees:
Shannon - Hoover
Stratton - Hoover
Jason - Trussville
Tina - Titusville
Mary Anne - BPL
Martella - Center Point
Teresa - Southside
Paul - Southside
Lynn - BPL
Stephanie - Hoover
Madalyn - Hoover
Samantha - Hoover
Deni - Hoover
Bryce - Hoover
Joan - Avondale
Leslie - Avondale
Jon - Avondale
Heather - Homewood
Terri - Vestavia Hills
W. Darby - East Lake
Alisha - BPL
Holley - Mtn Brook
Jennifer - Five Pts West
Anicha Coach - BPL
Edward - Homewood
Sam - Springville Rd
Deidre - Bessemer
Maura - Trussville
Tara - Vestavia
Jiemin - BPL
Lee- N. Bham
We covered a lot of ground in discussing what is going on at various libraries and how people are coping with the changes from total quarantine to partial openings. Some libraries have been closed to the public but open to employees (Tarrant as one example) while others have been closed but are now open to the public with restrictions (Bessemer).
There are a variety of situations but one thing we all have in common is safety for our employees and for the public. Whether opening curbside or just maintaining a virtual presence, we can all learn from one another. Not only that, there are a great many online resources, webinars and classes about pandemic preparedness and precautions.
Status of Jefferson County Libraries (updated daily): https://www.jclc.org/Covid19update.aspx
Status of COVID-19 in our country & the world: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/us/
Jefferson County Response to COVID-19 http://data-jeffco-al.opendata.arcgis.com/pages/covid-19-in-jefferson-county-alabama
Public Libraries Response to COVID-19, PLA webinars, including but not limited to:
Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: The Current Landscape
Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Successful Ways to Work Remotely
Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Managing Stress and Anxiety
Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Innovative Solutions in Times of Crisis
Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Strategies for Advancing Digital Equity Now
Accessible at: http://www.ala.org/pla/education/onlinelearning/webinars/covid-19
IMLS: Mitigating COVID-19 When Managing Paper-Based, Circulating, and Other Types of Collections: https://www.imls.gov/webinars/mitigating-covid-19-when-managing-paper-based-circulating-and-other-types-collections
Libraries and Coronavirus: Evolving Information and Resources (Webinars)
https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/libraries-and-the-coronavirus.html
Possible Granting Opportunities for libraries:
IMLS COVID-19 Updates: https://www.imls.gov/coronavirus-covid-19-updates
Personal grant opportunities for library workers:
https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=everylibrary-creates-fund-to-help-library-workers-in-need
Nonprofit Libraries and the CARES Act:
https://www.everylibrary.org/nonprofit_libraries_cares_act
Most libraries are utilizing Zoom.us for establishing Virtual meetings with the public. Hoover luckily has a business subscription that allows more than one host to set up meetings with no 40 minute limit on the duration of a meeting (40m limit is for the free version). And no limit as to how many attendees (100 is the limit for the free version). Also, Zoom allows for chat among the host and every attendee. Also, there is a "share screen" function that allows others to see things like a speadsheet or webpage.
Other libraries are using StarLeaf, for which JCLC has a subscription. One limitation mentioned about StarLeaf is there is no chat feature. The contact for StarLeaf is Ken Billits at BPL.
Because Bessemer has actually been open to the public (with limits) for four days, Deidre gave us an update on how that is going. Everyone is required to wear masks, public and staff. They are backed up with a policeman on duty. And staff take the temperature of everyone entering the building with a handheld thermometer that is placed on the person's forehead. Besides that, there are no more than 30 people in the building at any given time. From 9 am to 1 pm, the public can use the building. The computer lab is restricted to a limited number of users with a one-hour limit per use. Computers are completely cleaned before and after use. So far, there has been no push-back and patrons seem thankful for the access.
In addition, Bessemer is selling masks to the public for $2/piece. They take cash or credit for them. After ordering 300 for the staff to use and not liking them, they decided to sell them to the public as needed. Dee - I hope if I've gotten anything wrong, you will update me on the blog! Also, can we get a source on where those masks were bought from? Thanks!
Speaking of masks: Libraries are using a variety of types and sources for masks for employees. Some employees are bringing their own and some libraries are able to provide simple masks. We contemplated the encounters we might have with those patrons who either refuse or cannot purchase a mask (i.e. the homeless). We also are wary of those patrons that do not keep their masks clean or change them regularly. For those libraries without security, it is an anxious return to a new normal that might involve irate patrons and frustrated staff. Que the meditation webinar...
Birmingham currently has a mask law that covers the libraries within the city limits but there is no knowing when that will expire. Signs are a must, along with signs about hygeine. We did speak briefly about grants that could help libraries ease the sting of cuts that either have taken place or will. I'm curious if there are any grants out there to purchase masks for our patrons? (I don't know the answer but perhaps someone could take that on and report back to the group?)
There is a FaceBook group that was created for those that are handmaking masks https://www.facebook.com/groups/BhamFaceMasks/learning_content/. Also a website: https://www.bhamfacemasks.com/ They are filling orders for healthcare workers but will take on anyone who needs a mask - including a library. Personally, I know of several of my friends that are swamped with orders for masks and are doing their best to fill the need. I have used Etsy.com to order cute masks for myself and my husband with a cost of between $8 - $15/mask. There are dozens of great videos on YouTube on sewing masks and/or no-sew masks. Here's an article about Birmingham mask makers: https://wbhm.org/2020/volunteers-step-face-challenges-pandemic/
While we are at home: discussion ranged from professional development to doing Zoom book groups from home. There were great suggestions for everyone - including utilizing Universal Class and Learning Express on our websites. Personally, I've taken Speed Reading, Time Management Tutorial, a Notary Public webinar, Email Etiquette Tutorial, Attitude and Teamwork Tutorial, Boost Your Critical Listening Skills, Communication with Diplomacy and Tact, and Constructive Feedback and Criticism. They have all been fabulous and will be of use to me. If you have used anything other than Universal Class and Learning Express, and want to share, please leave a note on the blog or post it to Facebook!
More webinar and/or professional resources found useful by participants:
SEFLIN Empowering Libraries to Transform Communities https://seflin.org/members/suggested-recorded-webinars/
OCLC's WebJunction: https://www.webjunction.org/home.html
US National Archives has many great short videos (geneology to FOIA): https://www.youtube.com/USNationalArchives
Geneology Resources from Mary Anne: FamilySearch, which is the Latter Day Saints genealogy website--here's their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/FamilySearch
Florida Library Webinars: https://floridalibrarywebinars.org/ondemand/
In particular, Deni liked this one: https://floridalibrarywebinars.org/getting-started-with-live-video-streaming/
Because they could not browse: That will be the name of my webinar on Readers Advisory! I mentioned that I've been having fun recording short videos recommending books that are available digitally.
Examples: The Red Lotus https://youtu.be/OnGGNMo29oo
My Favorite Fiction https://youtu.be/2AdeEH-5qlU
I've done more than six with more in the queue to be posted. I always try to include at least 2-3 read alikes for the book I am discussing so that if they are using Libby/Overdrive, they have options while waiting for their holds.
Mary Anne mentioned Neglected Books--it's kind of "best books you've never heard of" source. https://neglectedbooks.com/
Also, libraries are recommending sources like Project Gutenburg and FadedPage for people that want books that are in the Public Domain. The Internet Archive's National Emergency Library is unlimited simultaneous use through the end of June - so take advantage of that resource. Holley said you can register for a free account and read ebooks. (Holley "Requires use of Adobe Digital Editions and I haven't discovered a way to read on my phone, just my laptop.")
There's also HathiTrust Digital Library--lots of full-text items in public domain, and even those that aren't are sometimes searchable if you need to find a particular passage.
Book bundles/Free books on site: For those libraries stymied that they can't hold booksales for the forseeable future, consider putting books outside the front of the library "free to a good home" -style. Hoover is bundling "mysteries" or "self-help" into bags that patrons can take. They are put into plastic bags and no staff need handle them after that. We haven't had problems with patrons browsing but that is something to consider - patrons without gloves or masks going through the books.
Update on Central/BPL construction: evidently the stairs are finished but they are waiting on railings to arrive and be installed. It will be nice when that project is completed! No word yet on when the courier service will resume.
Book Drops: Some libraries, like Mountain Brook, are unable to "lock" their book drops so they've been collecting books and quarantining them since the pandemic began. Some libraries book drops recently opened, such as Hoover. All libraries seem aware of the need to quarantine materials. Demco has a handy-dandy guide to quarantining materials here: https://ideas.demco.com/blog/how-to-quarantine-public-library-materials/ Also, ALA has put out a guide "Handling Library Materials and Collections during a Pandemic" http://www.ala.org/alcts/preservationweek/resources/pandemic
Summer Reading: Everyone is going virtual, utilizing Beanstack to track reading. Each library is creating unique opportunities to engage patrons whether through specific reading challenges (example: Hoover's Spring Library Bingo http://www.hooverlibrary.org/announcement/spring-library-bingo). There is a lot to create given the theme for this year "Imagine Your Story". Hopefully we can share on the ASRT FB page any unique and fun ways to get patrons involved!
An Upside to Quarantine Story: Because Hoover cannot have live performance, Joel Gamble decided to take a portion of the programming budget to pay performers to do live video performances called "Live from My Living Room". This helps the performer make some cash while quarantined and the series has become very, very popular. Joel has said people from many other countries are finding the YouTube videos and are connecting with our library. They can all be found at the Hoover Library's YouTube station. For example: Matt Bryan https://youtu.be/6jlhXBGEFDE ; Will Stewart https://youtu.be/jNoMXgUDKcY ;
and Nick Millievoi https://youtu.be/4WXrzsa3ofg
Other libraries might find there are community members willing to perform in this same manner. Or, if staff members can play an instrument, get them to perform! I've seen several libraries doing ukelele lessons, podcast discussions, movie discussions, meditation and yoga, coffee klatches, Facebook book groups and more - all virtually! I know everyone is proud of what we've been able to accomplish during this hard time. If I did not mention something you would like to share, please put them in the comments or post it on the Facebook group for ASRT. If you are so inclined, I have found it very fun to create short readers advisory videos for the patrons. Especially targeting digitally-available resources, I have made several "if you are on hold for this book, here are some alternatives."
Thanks to everyone who attended. If I did not get your name down as an attendee or if I missed a key point of discussion, please either comment on the blog, email me or post on Facebook.
Attendees:
Shannon - Hoover
Stratton - Hoover
Jason - Trussville
Tina - Titusville
Mary Anne - BPL
Martella - Center Point
Teresa - Southside
Paul - Southside
Lynn - BPL
Stephanie - Hoover
Madalyn - Hoover
Samantha - Hoover
Deni - Hoover
Bryce - Hoover
Joan - Avondale
Leslie - Avondale
Jon - Avondale
Heather - Homewood
Terri - Vestavia Hills
W. Darby - East Lake
Alisha - BPL
Holley - Mtn Brook
Jennifer - Five Pts West
Anicha Coach - BPL
Edward - Homewood
Sam - Springville Rd
Deidre - Bessemer
Maura - Trussville
Tara - Vestavia
Jiemin - BPL
Lee- N. Bham
We covered a lot of ground in discussing what is going on at various libraries and how people are coping with the changes from total quarantine to partial openings. Some libraries have been closed to the public but open to employees (Tarrant as one example) while others have been closed but are now open to the public with restrictions (Bessemer).
There are a variety of situations but one thing we all have in common is safety for our employees and for the public. Whether opening curbside or just maintaining a virtual presence, we can all learn from one another. Not only that, there are a great many online resources, webinars and classes about pandemic preparedness and precautions.
Status of Jefferson County Libraries (updated daily): https://www.jclc.org/Covid19update.aspx
Status of COVID-19 in our country & the world: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/us/
Jefferson County Response to COVID-19 http://data-jeffco-al.opendata.arcgis.com/pages/covid-19-in-jefferson-county-alabama
Public Libraries Response to COVID-19, PLA webinars, including but not limited to:
Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: The Current Landscape
Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Successful Ways to Work Remotely
Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Managing Stress and Anxiety
Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Innovative Solutions in Times of Crisis
Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Strategies for Advancing Digital Equity Now
Accessible at: http://www.ala.org/pla/education/onlinelearning/webinars/covid-19
IMLS: Mitigating COVID-19 When Managing Paper-Based, Circulating, and Other Types of Collections: https://www.imls.gov/webinars/mitigating-covid-19-when-managing-paper-based-circulating-and-other-types-collections
Libraries and Coronavirus: Evolving Information and Resources (Webinars)
https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/libraries-and-the-coronavirus.html
Possible Granting Opportunities for libraries:
IMLS COVID-19 Updates: https://www.imls.gov/coronavirus-covid-19-updates
Personal grant opportunities for library workers:
https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=everylibrary-creates-fund-to-help-library-workers-in-need
Nonprofit Libraries and the CARES Act:
https://www.everylibrary.org/nonprofit_libraries_cares_act
Most libraries are utilizing Zoom.us for establishing Virtual meetings with the public. Hoover luckily has a business subscription that allows more than one host to set up meetings with no 40 minute limit on the duration of a meeting (40m limit is for the free version). And no limit as to how many attendees (100 is the limit for the free version). Also, Zoom allows for chat among the host and every attendee. Also, there is a "share screen" function that allows others to see things like a speadsheet or webpage.
Other libraries are using StarLeaf, for which JCLC has a subscription. One limitation mentioned about StarLeaf is there is no chat feature. The contact for StarLeaf is Ken Billits at BPL.
Because Bessemer has actually been open to the public (with limits) for four days, Deidre gave us an update on how that is going. Everyone is required to wear masks, public and staff. They are backed up with a policeman on duty. And staff take the temperature of everyone entering the building with a handheld thermometer that is placed on the person's forehead. Besides that, there are no more than 30 people in the building at any given time. From 9 am to 1 pm, the public can use the building. The computer lab is restricted to a limited number of users with a one-hour limit per use. Computers are completely cleaned before and after use. So far, there has been no push-back and patrons seem thankful for the access.
In addition, Bessemer is selling masks to the public for $2/piece. They take cash or credit for them. After ordering 300 for the staff to use and not liking them, they decided to sell them to the public as needed. Dee - I hope if I've gotten anything wrong, you will update me on the blog! Also, can we get a source on where those masks were bought from? Thanks!
Speaking of masks: Libraries are using a variety of types and sources for masks for employees. Some employees are bringing their own and some libraries are able to provide simple masks. We contemplated the encounters we might have with those patrons who either refuse or cannot purchase a mask (i.e. the homeless). We also are wary of those patrons that do not keep their masks clean or change them regularly. For those libraries without security, it is an anxious return to a new normal that might involve irate patrons and frustrated staff. Que the meditation webinar...
Birmingham currently has a mask law that covers the libraries within the city limits but there is no knowing when that will expire. Signs are a must, along with signs about hygeine. We did speak briefly about grants that could help libraries ease the sting of cuts that either have taken place or will. I'm curious if there are any grants out there to purchase masks for our patrons? (I don't know the answer but perhaps someone could take that on and report back to the group?)
There is a FaceBook group that was created for those that are handmaking masks https://www.facebook.com/groups/BhamFaceMasks/learning_content/. Also a website: https://www.bhamfacemasks.com/ They are filling orders for healthcare workers but will take on anyone who needs a mask - including a library. Personally, I know of several of my friends that are swamped with orders for masks and are doing their best to fill the need. I have used Etsy.com to order cute masks for myself and my husband with a cost of between $8 - $15/mask. There are dozens of great videos on YouTube on sewing masks and/or no-sew masks. Here's an article about Birmingham mask makers: https://wbhm.org/2020/volunteers-step-face-challenges-pandemic/
While we are at home: discussion ranged from professional development to doing Zoom book groups from home. There were great suggestions for everyone - including utilizing Universal Class and Learning Express on our websites. Personally, I've taken Speed Reading, Time Management Tutorial, a Notary Public webinar, Email Etiquette Tutorial, Attitude and Teamwork Tutorial, Boost Your Critical Listening Skills, Communication with Diplomacy and Tact, and Constructive Feedback and Criticism. They have all been fabulous and will be of use to me. If you have used anything other than Universal Class and Learning Express, and want to share, please leave a note on the blog or post it to Facebook!
More webinar and/or professional resources found useful by participants:
SEFLIN Empowering Libraries to Transform Communities https://seflin.org/members/suggested-recorded-webinars/
OCLC's WebJunction: https://www.webjunction.org/home.html
US National Archives has many great short videos (geneology to FOIA): https://www.youtube.com/USNationalArchives
Geneology Resources from Mary Anne: FamilySearch, which is the Latter Day Saints genealogy website--here's their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/FamilySearch
Florida Library Webinars: https://floridalibrarywebinars.org/ondemand/
In particular, Deni liked this one: https://floridalibrarywebinars.org/getting-started-with-live-video-streaming/
Because they could not browse: That will be the name of my webinar on Readers Advisory! I mentioned that I've been having fun recording short videos recommending books that are available digitally.
Examples: The Red Lotus https://youtu.be/OnGGNMo29oo
My Favorite Fiction https://youtu.be/2AdeEH-5qlU
I've done more than six with more in the queue to be posted. I always try to include at least 2-3 read alikes for the book I am discussing so that if they are using Libby/Overdrive, they have options while waiting for their holds.
Mary Anne mentioned Neglected Books--it's kind of "best books you've never heard of" source. https://neglectedbooks.com/
Also, libraries are recommending sources like Project Gutenburg and FadedPage for people that want books that are in the Public Domain. The Internet Archive's National Emergency Library is unlimited simultaneous use through the end of June - so take advantage of that resource. Holley said you can register for a free account and read ebooks. (Holley "Requires use of Adobe Digital Editions and I haven't discovered a way to read on my phone, just my laptop.")
There's also HathiTrust Digital Library--lots of full-text items in public domain, and even those that aren't are sometimes searchable if you need to find a particular passage.
Book bundles/Free books on site: For those libraries stymied that they can't hold booksales for the forseeable future, consider putting books outside the front of the library "free to a good home" -style. Hoover is bundling "mysteries" or "self-help" into bags that patrons can take. They are put into plastic bags and no staff need handle them after that. We haven't had problems with patrons browsing but that is something to consider - patrons without gloves or masks going through the books.
Update on Central/BPL construction: evidently the stairs are finished but they are waiting on railings to arrive and be installed. It will be nice when that project is completed! No word yet on when the courier service will resume.
Book Drops: Some libraries, like Mountain Brook, are unable to "lock" their book drops so they've been collecting books and quarantining them since the pandemic began. Some libraries book drops recently opened, such as Hoover. All libraries seem aware of the need to quarantine materials. Demco has a handy-dandy guide to quarantining materials here: https://ideas.demco.com/blog/how-to-quarantine-public-library-materials/ Also, ALA has put out a guide "Handling Library Materials and Collections during a Pandemic" http://www.ala.org/alcts/preservationweek/resources/pandemic
Summer Reading: Everyone is going virtual, utilizing Beanstack to track reading. Each library is creating unique opportunities to engage patrons whether through specific reading challenges (example: Hoover's Spring Library Bingo http://www.hooverlibrary.org/announcement/spring-library-bingo). There is a lot to create given the theme for this year "Imagine Your Story". Hopefully we can share on the ASRT FB page any unique and fun ways to get patrons involved!
An Upside to Quarantine Story: Because Hoover cannot have live performance, Joel Gamble decided to take a portion of the programming budget to pay performers to do live video performances called "Live from My Living Room". This helps the performer make some cash while quarantined and the series has become very, very popular. Joel has said people from many other countries are finding the YouTube videos and are connecting with our library. They can all be found at the Hoover Library's YouTube station. For example: Matt Bryan https://youtu.be/6jlhXBGEFDE ; Will Stewart https://youtu.be/jNoMXgUDKcY ;
and Nick Millievoi https://youtu.be/4WXrzsa3ofg
Other libraries might find there are community members willing to perform in this same manner. Or, if staff members can play an instrument, get them to perform! I've seen several libraries doing ukelele lessons, podcast discussions, movie discussions, meditation and yoga, coffee klatches, Facebook book groups and more - all virtually! I know everyone is proud of what we've been able to accomplish during this hard time. If I did not mention something you would like to share, please put them in the comments or post it on the Facebook group for ASRT. If you are so inclined, I have found it very fun to create short readers advisory videos for the patrons. Especially targeting digitally-available resources, I have made several "if you are on hold for this book, here are some alternatives."
Thanks to everyone who attended. If I did not get your name down as an attendee or if I missed a key point of discussion, please either comment on the blog, email me or post on Facebook.
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