Special Edition: How to go from in-person to online
Your library is still open -- online!
Social distancing means many libraries are offering their in-person services online. Wondering where to start? We've got tips, tools and resources to help you make the transition.
Readers' Advisory
Many people are rediscovering reading while staying at home. You've got all the tools you need to move your in-person RA online. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Grab these ready-to-share book lists and post them on social media
Use our guide, The Secret Language of Books, to find books for your list with just the right tone, important now more than ever.
Storytime
Parents with younger children might find it challenging to fill endless days at home. As we scramble to help kids keep learning, storytime is one sure-fire way to do it. Bring virtual storytime directly to kids on social media or share links to storytimes by authors, celebrities, and fellow librarians (see links below). Need promotional materials? Search "online storytime" in LibraryAware for easy storytime promotion.
No matter where you live, children (and adults!) will love hearing stories read by best-selling author and TV star David Walliams. He's releasing an audio story every day this month from his hilarious "The World’s Worst Children" series of books.
Want to offer children a storytime that's out of this world? How about astorytime from spaceread by an astronaut?
Singer-songwriter and overall superstar Dolly Parton is one of several celebrities that are offering storytimes on Facebook live.
Book Clubs
Book clubs provide connection, which is so vital now with social distancing causing many to feel isolated. Keep your discussions going with just a few adjustments. Here are some tips to consider when making the switch. And take a page from Washington-Centerville Public Library's AfterWords book club(they've always been online) or check out Tonganoxie Public Library's digital book club that meets using Zoom. And remember, NoveList hasbook discussion guides to help you prepare to lead discussions or identify potential titles for your patrons’ book clubs.
Makerspaces and STEM programs
Post our new LibraryAware templates forat-home STEM programming on social media or your website and link to museums and other educational sites. Here are a few activites we've seen that you might want to share with your patrons:
Scratch is a programming language and online community where children can code their own interative stories, animations, and games. Scratch is a project of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab.
Homework help
Support those parents and caretakers now responsible for facilitating at-home learning by linking them to online resources. Get someideas by age group or link to these resources to support distance learning for high school students, as well as resources for at-home enrichment activities for younger students. This is the perfect time to promote LearningExpress Library to older students studying for college entrance exams or adults exploring a career change.
Microtraining Tues., April 7, 2:00 - 2:15 p.m. EDT
A live readers' advisory session on social media is a great way to connect with your community, deliver help to readers staying at home, and help combat social isolation with "face" time and interactive comments.
In this 15-minute training, NoveList Senior Engagement Consultant Angela Hursh will show you how to set up your live session and give you quick tips to make the experience the best possible for your viewers.
Let us help make your job a bit easier.
Libraries worldwide are facing similar challenges. The good news: we're seeing great examples of how libraries are meeting these challenges in creative ways. With these special editions, we'll share ideas, inspiration, and content. Each edition will focus on solutions to specific challenges libraries are facing as we navigate these uncertain days together.
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