Adult Services Roundtable  Virtual Readers Advisory: Why? How? Right now!!  January 21, 2021

 

Adult Services Roundtable Meeting, January 21, 2021

 

Attendees:

Shannon, Hoover

Terri, Vestavia Hills

Joi, Vestavia Hills

Leslie, Avondale

Maura, Trussville

Deidre, Bessemer

Ellen Shade, BPL

Michelle, Irondale

Bridgett, Homewood

Heather, Homewood

Joan, Avondale

Lynn Hutchins, BPL

Pam Jessie, BPL

T West, BPL

Loretta, Books-by-Mail

Holley, O’Neal

We discussed the increased awareness and usage of various virtual reader’s advisory tools to those patrons that are no longer browsing our shelves.  Holley’s favorite venue is to create blog posts to the O’Neal Library’s website (https://www.eolib.org/ at the bottom of the page).  These are archived and can be accessed by patrons looking for something new to read.  Often, Holley will get a list of the top 5 fiction and nonfiction titles on Libby that have the most holds on them and she will create a “while you wait” booklist based on these titles.  This gives the patron waiting for that top seller some alternatives to read while they wait for their hold!  These do take her the most time because she has to do a great deal of leg work in coming up with read-alikes but the work pays off for her patrons.  Maura shared Trussville’s Read-Alikes page from their website (updated by Susan)

 Holley also directed us to O’Neal Library’s “Shelf Care” page (managed by Amanda) which gives reading recommendations (using Communico to create) – most of which are updated and populated by staff members fairly often. This utilizes widgets to scroll book covers.  If a library could do one thing well, it would be beneficial to come up with a page like this so that you can direct patrons to the webpage. It includes Staff Picks, NYT Bestsellers, Book Group picks and whatever else you may want to include.  Next week, Holley’s Genre book group is discussing the Harlem Renaissance so one widget is just book recommendations for that group.

 Hoover does a similar thing using e-newsletters but it is mostly fed through Ebsco’s LibraryAware – in other words no one person updates it, although that is an option.  Most of the heading are things like “Mysteries and Thrillers” or “NYT Bestsellers.”  Patrons sign up for these e-newsletters on their own or by our urging.  A great many patrons say this is where they get their best recommendations.  We call this service “NextReads” and you can view the options here.

 Virtual RA can take place over the phone or via email too.  If a patron wants a recommendation, we need to respond consistently and with skill.  Please see the resource list at the end for a list of RA websites recommended to make any decision an easier one.  We discussed the problem some of us face when patrons are return visitors and want new titles.  How are people keeping track of what was last recommended without imposing on patrons’ privacy?  Two methods would be to create a Google doc with patron info or a simple Excel spreadsheet (with access only to those that need it).  Another method would be to ask the patron to turn on their reading history for the special purpose of keeping track of the books.  (This is done using the patron’s account in Encore.  Librarians would need access using the patron’s card number and PIN.  However, with frequent visitors, it might be worth the trouble.)  I wish that we had the funds to create an easy, stapled little notebooks with the library logo and “reading history” as a giveaway to older patrons that might be encouraged to keep a list of what they like and don’t like!  Hoover has one patron who only listens to books-on-CD and she hauls around several packs of old index cards all banded together – boy she was not happy when we rearranged the books-on-CD by Genre!!  It threw her off her system!

At Hoover, we have an online form asking all kinds of questions to gauge a reader’s interest.  It’s called Novel Destinations and patrons use it often when it is advertised on social media.  We have the paper version at the desk in case we have the need.  One patron is on her 17^th iteration of Novel Destinations!  We keep giving her more books based on her one-time first request!  (Her favorite librarian keeps track of what she recommends and what the patron enjoyed.  They’ve developed a good rapport!)

 Joi talked about her increased satisfaction in finding books for patrons and doing general readers advisory.  She likes to create handouts for patrons (which could then go online) using Canva.com and uploading book covers.  She also gathers books for patrons into what she calls Browser Bags – based on the patrons needs and likes.  She collects anywhere between 4 to 6 books for each browser bag.  Many other participants said they also use Canva.com – Heather noting that there is a reasonable “non-profit” costs to Canva if anyone wants to pursue it.  For free pictures to upload, Pixabay.com, Unsplash.com and Freepix.com were all recommended as free sources for downloadable photos and art.  Michelle at Irondale also plugged thenounproject.com for free symbols and icons.

 Virtual Bookshelf at Vestavia Hills is something that I think several libraries have initiated since lockdown.  These are lists with hyperlinks for hot reads, fall picks, new juvenile fiction – really, any kind of subheading that can be used within Sierra to create an ever-updated search.  Hoover uses “Check out our new materials” so patrons can see what’s new and place holds directly online. I think a bunch of libraries have created similar pages since the pandemic began.

RA videos:  I talked about doing my short 2-5 minute videos of which I does about 6-8 per month.  Using either my iphone or home laptop, I’ve done enough that I have fewer errors.  Keys to doing this with a modicum of success is repetition and bravery.  I research the book using online resources like NoveList or book reviews.  I try to grab a few good take aways or quick quotes about the book that will intrigue readers.  I may talk about setting, characters, or even the tone of the book.  After I have the recording, I send it through Microsoft Teams to the person on our staff who LOVES to edit video (not everyone has this person!)  I created one consistent graphic for the beginning of the video that I simply change to match the book.  The video person just puts them together and trims any fat to create a tighter video.  Then it’s posted to our YouTube channel and Facebook page.  I share it on my personal page and most have been getting between 50-200 views per month, depending on the title.  Examples to view: The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin, The works of Thrity Umrigar, and While You Wait for Midwife Murders by Patterson.  Our Nonfiction department has a very popular Genre book group and my colleague, Pam Bainter, does short videos to help patrons navigate that month’s topic.  Here are two examples: Short Nonfiction Reads and Insatiable Readers Choices. 

Making these videos have gotten easier over the months and my fear is nearly nonexistent.  I have gotten to where they could even be posted without editing and flashy extras – they just need to be clean with good sound.  The handout I created for this meeting has some great tips for recording virtual RA!  Give it a read…

 Heather shared that Homewood has finally established a social media team after wanting to create one for a while.  The team, more specifically Heather, is scheduling Instagram and Facebook posts ahead of time, such as “If you like…” selections.  She uses Canva to do a small, three or four book title visual for the immediate satisfaction – these posts keep the library at the forefront.

Some of our RA has been driving people to our virtual services, especially when the libraries were physically closed.  We created online recommendations to Libby and Hoopla because that was what was available to the patron.  We still try to mix up the formats in our RA service.  Speaking of the various methods we have discussed here, there are many librarians out there unable to do these things because of time and staff limitations.  I asked the participants if a small library was only going to focus on one method or one kind of service to focus on, what would it be?  Heather answered with the response that it would depend on your library’s patrons.  Some libraries’ users will not have a very active online patronage – so devoting your time to Facebook posts or Instagram posts may not be a wise use of time.  However, creating window displays that say “give us a call for more suggestions” will win them over.

Most libraries response would be a mixture of medias, services and being open to responding to a patrons’ needs via whatever format they feel comfortable with.  Holley mentioned specifically an e-newsletter from BookBub – she will “steal” an idea from them and create her own small handouts/flyers to give out, i.e. top 10 audiobooks for 2020.  These have become very popular in her library.

 Lastly, if you are limited in time, money and staff, pick something virtual that you want to try and keep it consistent and useful.  If you decide to add a widget to your website, update it on the regular.  If you have a blog, bring new content every few days or every week, at least.  Instead of trying to be all things to all people, do something well that patrons can count on – even as technology evolves, you can still put out content on a blog or on Facebook that is useful to the patron.

 2020 taught us to be brave and give things a try.  Put yourself out there and try new things.  They may end up in the wastebin of history or they might become a raging success.  However, as our library landscape changes and evolves, we need to evolve along with them!

 Below is the “Handout” I created for the meeting with links to various websites and videos that may give you some ideas for starting your virtual RA journey!

 

Different Forms of Virtual Readers Advisory: Online form/Paper Form o   Hoover: https://bit.ly/3oa1eIh     Ask a Librarian/email requests     Phone/email inquiries     RA videos/shorts o   https://youtu.be/b5LNKJmSMMo     HPL Commercial for Novel Destinations… o   https://youtu.be/hAYbL2Dwkzo     Book Talks     Instagram shorts     Blog posts o   http://www.hooverlibrary.org/blogs/shannonh     Pinterest boards for visual book advertisements o   https://www.pinterest.com/darienlibrary/real-time-book-recommendations/ o   “They have found using Pinterest appeals to an audience that does not typically use the catalog. Darien Library also creates links to their catalog from Pinterest.” o   Article:  Moving Readers’ Advisory Online by Karen Pundsack on September 10, 2014     JCPLA RA video on Virtual RA: o   https://youtu.be/LiBoA_HjgTA

Online Readers Advisory supplements and sometimes replaces the in-person interaction. Examples of Online forms:     Do Your Own RA @ Home: o   https://www.carnegielibrary.org/want-to-do-your-own-readers-advisory/     BookMatch: o   https://fauquierlibrary.org/for-readers/draft-bookmatch-readers-advisory-form/     What’s Your Next Best Read? o   https://www.meridenlibrary.org/readers-advisory/     Hoover Library’s Novel Destinations: o   https://bit.ly/3oa1eIh

“You need to build an experience that’s intuitive for the user.”  Jeremy Graybill, marketing and online engagement director, Multnomah County (Oreg.) Library How digitized readers’ advisory stays personalized By Terra Dankowski | September 1, 2016       https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2016/09/01/recommended-reading-readers-advisory/

Inspiring articles:

Programming Through the Pandemic

by Erica Freudenberger
May 22, 2020

https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=Programming-Through-the-Pandemic-covid-19

Lockley pressed the entire collection development staff into service to provide recommendations for adults, teens, and kids. “We reached almost 2,200 people during our live Reader’s Advisory event, with 148 comments and 13 shares over the course of two hours,” says Lockley, who hopes to replicate the success of this program on Twitter in the coming weeks. The library also has an online reading challenge group on Facebook with more than 200 members, who explore new genres and authors each month. “The COVID-19 situation has inspired everyone on staff to be creative and come up with new ways for us to reach out and interact with our customers—no matter where they are,” says Lockley. “Offering live online RA at my library has been a personal dream for some time and it was exciting to see it in action.”

 

Reader, meet book: RA on-the-go

https://www.ebsco.com/blogs/novelist/reader-meet-book-ra-go

Also, view the web-based RA webinar created by NoveList.  You do not have to be a subscriber…

https://www.ebsco.com/blogs/novelist/webinar-form-based-readers-advisory-when-your-readers-and-staff-are-home

 

Recording RA videos Some Tips Source:  https://bookcartqueens.com/2020/09/02/virtual-readers-advisory/   Book talk video filming tips: ·         Film in Short Clips. My filming structure involves me talking for 1-2 sentences before cutting to a new clip. I find this really valuable when I am trying to get my words exactly right (especially important when sharing books that talk about racism, neglect, or aspects of a culture that isn’t my own). I don’t memorize what I’m going to say, but this quick structure makes it a lot easier for me to redo a clip as needed. Refilming something 20-30 seconds long is easier, and it is much less frustrating than getting to the end of the clip and messing up a pronunciation. ·         Add visual interest. Add images from the book whenever possible. Some books are chapter books without images where this doesn’t make sense, but whenever I can, I add images and change them regularly. An adult has about an 8-second attention span in non-COVID times. Watching me sit and talk at a screen for even just a minute is boring. Images help. ·         Talk about books you like. Always. I only book talk books I’ve read, enjoy, and can vouch for. I’m not this strict when I’ve got an in-person reader’s advisory experience, with a patron in front of me asking for Wonder readalikes, but when I’m only able to take a handful of books to a classroom, or in this case, select what books I want to put my time and effort behind highlighting, I want to make sure they are books I genuinely enjoyed and think kids will enjoy too. ·         Recommend diverse books. Following the last tip, this means you need to be reading diverse books. Hopefully you are. I don’t care how white your community is–even if your community is made entirely of clones of one Christian, straight, physically and mentally able white boy–there is a whole world out there that those kids need to be aware of and empathetic toward. (Also, if you are living in a community filled with cloned children, I would suggest you stop reading now and run. Fast.) ·         Look up those pronunciations. Author names, illustrator names, character names, settings. Look up them all. Don’t be the Annamarie of three years ago who mispronounced Amina’s name repeatedly in a book talk video for Amina’s Voice that still makes me cringe every time I see it on YouTube. ·         Of course, all the regular technical things: ·         Film with the highest quality camera you can access ·         Good lighting (don’t sit in front a window, avoid shadows) ·         Good sound ·         Consistent feel/intro/conclusion ·         Easy access for a viewer to put the book on hold in your catalog

Where to go for Readers Advisory?  A selected list of recommended websites:

Readers Advisory Website Bookmarks (mostly FICTION since that is what I deal with!)

ACFW Fiction Finder

blender.genrify.com

Book Club Recommendations--Discussion Questions--Suggestions--Ideas - LitLovers

Book Group Buzz : The Booklist Reader

Bookish

Bookreporter.com |

Books — Crime Writers of Color

Bookwire - Home

CrimeReads

Detailed Book review summaries

Diverse Romance | Read Diverse Romance Fiction

EarlyWord: The Publisher | Librarian ConnectionEarlyWord: The Publisher | Librarian Connection - The Publisher | Librarian Connection

Fantastic Fiction

FictionDB - Your Guide to Fiction Books

Genrify | Where genres mix and mingle.

Gnooks - Discover New Books

GoodReads

GUYS READ

Home | BOOK RIOT

I'm Here. I'm Queer. What the Hell do I read?

Indie Next List | IndieBound

iread / Adult Reading

KDL What's Next® Database

KitchenSinkRA

Lambda Literary

Library Love Fest

Literature Map - The Tourist Map of Literature

LitLovers

NYPL | Recommendations

Pathfinders

Quick Reads | Reading Agency

RA for All

Rainbow Book List

Read-Alikes: Books similar to recommended books, and authors with similar writing styles.

READING GROUP CHOICES Selections for Lively Book Discussion

ReadingGroupGuides.com |

Share Book Recommendations With Your Friends, Join Book Clubs, Answer Trivia

She Reads -

Shelf Awareness

Shelf Talk

Stop, You're Killing Me! A website to die for… if you love mysteries!

The Book Apothecary | Read It Forward

The Internet Speculative Fiction Database

TV Tropes

Welcome to Library Booklists and Bibliographies

What Should I Read Next? Book recommendations from readers like you

Whichbook | A new way of choosing what book to read next

WorldCat

YourNextRead: Book Recommendations (USA)

 

 

November 19, 2020 Adult Services Roundtable Meeting Minutes Marketing and Public Relations    Attendees: Joi, Vestavia Laura, Homewood Heather, Homewood Kara, Vestavia Maura, Trussville Samantha, Hoover Discussion: ·        Special newsletters catering to the audiences of your bigger programs.  [At Hoover, for my monthly Purl on the Plaza program, I create a newsletter that includes new craft books, new articles from around the web about craftivism, spotlight on individual’s projects, etc.  I make it something they, hopefully, look forward to including the Zoom/connect information for the month.] ·        We talked about the importance of increasing social media posts and bringing patrons unique/funny/feel-good items and challenges and contests – some focused on individuals and some for families.  Heather mentioned that they are doing monthly photo contests, Bookstagram, and other challenges targeted at Teens ·        Maura mentioned that Trussville is including flyers and other correspondence into the curbside pickup bags.  This would be an excellent opportunity to reach patrons with new programs! ·        Think outside the box to reach isolated people during the pandemic:  Hoover is sending de-selected large print books to retirement facilities so residents can obtain a book during their stay.  Samantha mentioned that she is taking books to Little Free Libraries around our area.  Other donated items are being taken to sheltered groups such as First Light and Jessie’s Place.  In other words, if they can’t come to you, please think about ways of getting books to them where they are. ·        Samantha recommended a good marketing book that she read in a day for Library School.  It’s Start a Revolution : Stop Acting Like a Library / Ben Bizzle with Maria Flora.  Only Hoover has it in their professional collection but it is worth a read.  Be sure to check out other library marketing books within the county’s collection! ·        Consider the non-profit subscription to Kahoot! which according to the web:  Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform, used as educational technology in schools and other educational institutions. Its learning games, "kahoots", are user-generated multiple-choice quizzes that can be accessed via a web browser or the Kahoot app.  Heather at Homewood and Morgan at Mtn Brook have successfully used Kahoot! to have great interactive programs with patrons. (The non-profit “premium” subscription is $240/year.) ·        Shout out to Laura at Homewood who is doing their “Cookies & Comics” program WITH Homewood, Illinois!  Reaching out to those outside of our borders can be a wonderful thing, especially during this time of virtual programming. ·        Get buy-in from employees to promote library services and programs to their own personal social media pages. Also, convince stakeholders and businesses/organizations that the library has resources and services for their employees – cater to their needs so that they will promote library services from within.  ·        It was decided that in 2021, we will record meetings and post them to the ASRT blog so that others can participate.  Have an idea?  Post it to the ASRT group on Facebook!  Want others to help with your programs/questions?  Ask your cohorts on ASRT Facebook page! ·        Scavenger hunts, MadLibs, Reading Challenges, where to begin??? ·        Using 3D printers to create mask headbands and other PPE-oriented items. ·        Blank white cotton masks – tie dye kits for the public. ·        Storytime using visuals on your outdoor windows – great for families picking up curbside. ·        Outdoor story walks and fun sidewalk activities that are family-oriented. ·        Free ARC giveaways (advanced reader’s copies of books) ·        Fill your social media with posts that will make them giggle, de-stress and engage. ·        Trussville – Pumpkin challenge was VERY successful.  This doesn’t have to be pumpkins or on a certain holiday.  Perhaps a drawing challenge or a painting challenge… ·        Cudos to Roy Williams and BPL crew for their Thankfulness challenges – these press releases have helped all of us smile! ·        Order up a mystery bag, selling for the Friends of the Library during Covid.  Think of alternative ways to get free books in the hands of your patrons – mystery bag giveaways, reserve a bag of books, etc. ·        BookFace challenge for the public. ·        Bad Art night, virtual edition. ·        Explore the inside workings of the library on Instagram. ·        Introduce people to your greatest asset:  the employees! ·        Share the library’s history via social media to build a sense of belonging.

Online Resources:  All Kinds of Marketing Ideas for All Kinds of Libraries  https://superlibrarymarketing.com/category/covid-19/ Keep Promoting Your Libraries During the COVID-19 Pandemic https://www.infotoday.com/mls/may20/Dempsey--Keep-Promoting-Your-Libraries-During-the-COVID-19-Pandemic.shtml Earn grant money to place Google Ads for your library:  www.koios.co/libre-frequently-asked-questions

Resources from ALA: https://www.ala.org/pla/resources/tools/public-relations-marketing/marketing-strategies For the Love of Libraries:  How Libraries Use Content to Tell New Stories https://contentmarketinginstitute.com/2018/02/libraries-content-stories/ State of Georgia Marketing Toolkit for Libraries: https://georgialibraries.org/onlineresourceskit/ Public Library Association Using Social Media Listening to Adapt Your Library for COVID-19:  link to an hour-long Zoom meeting well worth a listen!  http://www.ala.org/pla/education/onlinelearning/webinars/ondemand/listening US Public Libraries: Marketing and Communications Landscape, OCLC report to download.  https://www.oclc.org/research/publications/2018/pl-marketing-communications-landscape.html?_ga=2.26630973.1098435165.1605662922-1759470688.1605662922 Public Libraries’ Novel Response to a Novel Virus:  https://www.theatlantic.com/notes/2020/03/public-libraries-novel-response-to-a-novel-virus/609058/

 

June 18 Zoom/Virtual ASRT Meeting
Topic:  What are we doing for our patrons?
Attendees:
Kelly, Springville Road
Shannon, Hoover
Rachel. Smithfield
Holley, EOM
Teresa, Southside
Madalyn, Hoover
Jon, Avondale
Loretta, Powderly
Maura, Trussville
Paul, Southside
Reba, Smithfield
Lynn, BPL Central
Tamiko, N. Bham
Jiemin, BPL Central
Leigh, N. Bham
Selina, Wylam
NaTasha, Powderly
Toni, Powderly
Jane, Southside
Joan, Avondale

What are we doing to keep up morale of those doing the hard job of curbside?  Ordering pizzas, wrapped candies, etc. to keep up the energy.  Cold drinks and bug spray are essential, along with sunscreen.
Cudos:  curbside pickup from EOM of "Mt. Doom Volcano Cake" ingredients in bags for patrons to pick up in order to participate.  Also, on ProgrammingLibrarian.org there was an article about EOM's Great Brookie Backoff:  https://programminglibrarian.org/programs/great-brookie-bake-online  
Some recommended reading:
Florida Library Webinars, https://floridalibrarywebinars.org/ondemand/
ALA, Reimagining Programming During Covid  https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/webinar-reimagining-programming-during-a-pandemic/

Loretta Bitten, Powderly - be aware that Books-by-Mail is up and running.  If you have patrons unable to pick up their items, send them to Books-by-Mail.  Call Powderly and they will set up a BBM account for the patron.  http://www.bplonline.org/services/BooksByMail/

Springville Road, started a newsletter for their Coffee, Conversations & Crafts groups - this is now a vital tool for everyone to keep in touch.  Each participant was contacted by staff to check on them and stay in touch. Also doing Craft-n-Go videos on how to make felted soap, etc.  (For Kelly, https://gluegungang.com/ -- Deni put this together this website to show how each craft is done.)

Many libraries are dealing with patrons who cannot browse and cannot tell you exactly what they want.  The RA interview is essential.  At Hoover, we have a form for this:  Novel Destinations form from Hoover - our online form we use with "browsers" that are not sure what they want.  They fill out the form and we will give them 10-15 suggestions based on their likes/dislikes.  http://www.hooverlibrary.org/services/staff-recommendations-just-you

Avondale - Ebook usage during quarantine:  https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/reading-habits-and-trends-during-quarantine.  Libraries are moving money to digital,  resulting in a lack of money for print.  Also at Avondale, big picture window in Youth - Carla is using the picture window to display books and things that patrons can request.

Some libraries are doing activities for families outside of the library, on sidewalks, etc. EOM has decorated outside curbside pickup with program pickups, etc.  On program days, they put out a huge dragon above the shrubs.

Trussville is doing craft giveaways with virtual instructions for patrons.  (Done by Virginia Brahser who works with several libraries.)

Great work at Avondale for Joan's 5-week series on LGBTQ/Pride month!  These have been wonderful!  Also doing virtual yoga and cross-sectional programming with Homewood to do virtual programming across other libraries.  Great ideas for collaboration!
Because everything is virtual, collaborating across the libraries makes sense.

Southside asks:  what goes into a podcast?  No real good answer but there is a podcast discussion group at Avondale.  Here's something put together from Public Libraries Magazine:  http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2017/10/engaging-patrons-with-library-podcasts/
Also, http://www.ala.org/pla/education/onlinelearning/webinars/ondemand/podcasting (Accessed June 24, 2020)

Anyone updating/refreshing their libraries while no public is gone?  Hoover Teen Dept is putting their collection by genre.  Maura said that Trussville has shifted the entire adult collection. 

Participation with summer reading?  Trussville just started using Beanstack and adults usage has grown, and some younger readers.  https://bookriot.com/2020/05/26/how-public-libraries-are-handling-summer-reading-during-covid-19/

Hoover's adult summer reading program with Dr. Jim Brown, retired, Samford History professor (contact info:  jimbrowngofish@gmail.com)  Dr. Brown is going to do two sessions on Grimms' Fairy Tales for Adults on July 8 & July 15.  

EOM Virginia Brasher is doing a Japanese Furoshiki, How to wrap boxes.  She will have a virtual component and a live component, two sessions available from EOM.  Here's an example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fhPumcPla0
EOM also looking into doing a virtual Ugly Art Night.  Stay tuned!

Any workarounds with patrons wanting to check out but haven't been able to return what they currently have at home?  Most libraries are working around the existing fines.
Most libraries are being flexible on circulation rules.  Some libraries are extending the Amnesty month throughout quarantine.

Thanks for connecting with ASRT!  

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

Virtual Platform Possibilities – Providing Digital Skilling Resources for Patrons

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.