This is a special edition of LibraryAware News to provide you with information and resources that you need right now to support your staff and patrons during the COVID-19 crisis.
We know you are currently swamped managing this crisis, so let us help make your job easier with:
crisis communication strategies
new templates for libraries whether open or closed (search "covid" or "coronavirus")
tips and tools for promoting your online resources
resources for online storytimes
professional development staff can do from home
book lists curated by our NoveList librarians to help readers escape to use in emails or social media (search "covid" or "coronavirus")
And we're keeping our Knowledge Base in LibraryAware and NoveList blog up to date with timely information and additional resources to help you quickly and easily communicate with your patrons.
As you take care of your patrons and loved ones, remember to take care of yourself. This is a stressful time for all of us. Take breaks from the news, get some rest, and take it all one day at a time as best you can.
Stay well,
Your LibraryAware Team
Crisis communication tips
Even when your library is closed, your patrons and staff need to hear from you. We've got templates in all formats you can use to let people know how they can take advantage of your online services, what to do about their books that will soon be overdue, when you plan to reopen, and more.
Here are tips for reaching patrons and staff quickly in a crisis. Check out how Shreve Memorial Library is keeping patrons updated and providing factual, reliable information, and see how San Francisco Public Library is communicating in several languages to reach patrons. Manning Municipal Library used one of our templates as an easy way to post an update on Facebookandgive their patrons the basics of information they need to know, like how to access audiobooks and whether the book drop will be checked.
Promote your virtual library
Patrons who didn't stock up on print books before your library closed, or those who just prefer to use mobile devices to read, watch and listen, will be looking for your online resources. E-resources for ancestry research, language learning, and homework help are in demand now more than ever.
Make it easy for patrons by promoting your digital resources on your home page, social media, and email. Make it easy on yourself and use our new e-blast template promoting your services, already filled with images and suggested text so it's ready-to-send in no time. Don't forget to mention curbside pick up, no late fees and other of-the-moment services. Find templates in several formats with the keyword "covid."
Pro Tip: Need more e-books on a budget? To help your library manage the COVID-19 outbreak, EBSCO is partnering with publishers to offer free upgrades and discounted pricing.
Keep offering storytime online and on social media
Many libraries are offering links to virtual storytimes either from their library or others posted online. Best practice is to link to storytimes featuring books for which the author, illustrator or publisher has granted permission. Here are a few sources to try. What did we miss? Share them with us.
In the U.S., celebrities are doing storytime readings, and here'sa growing listof publishers who have OK'd the use of their books in online storytimes.
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is posting daily readings on Twitter and Facebook.
Children in Australia will enjoy storytime by ABC Kids Listen, offering educational and entertaining stories through a free app.
More resources to banish boredom for patrons and staff
Doodle with Mo
Award-winning and much-loved picture book creator Mo Willems is inviting kids into his studio every day for Lunch Doodle live at 1 p.m. ET. And it's more than a doodle class. Mo speaks directly to the kids, sharing how he's feeling about what's going on and offering kids assurance during these anxious times. Past episodes are available to stream and free activity sheets are provided to guide doodlers in their creations. Aimed at children, but even older kids will enjoy it.
Open Library and the Internet Archive
Expand your library's online offerings with a link to Internet Archive, a non-profit digital library giving your patrons access to materials of all kinds from libraries and other sources worldwide. At one website, your patrons can access 23 million books and texts through Open Library, plus 4 million videos, 200,000 software programs, and more.
Professional development for your staff
We have a robust collection of recorded webinars on readers' advisory, promoting your collections and services, reaching patrons with email, and more. Perfect for staff that want to sharpen their skills while they have the time.
Share your ideas! Let us know what communications strategies or tips you're using that are working well. We'd love to share them with other libraries. We'd also like to know what challenges you're facing so we can try to help. We're here for you!