Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Massachusetts Libraries: What Your Library Can Do Remotely

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What Your Library Can Do Remotely

Bridge the Digital Divide

• Keep the library WIFI on during closure as recommended by ALA.
• Purchase wireless hotspots for staff without internet access at home.  When the library space opens, circulate the hotspots to patrons.
• Reach out to patrons to say hello or write hand-written thank you notes to library supporters. 

Check out this news story about the Bryant Library.

Communicate that the Library is an Essential Service

• Explore other libraries' websites for creative ideas for your website, communications, and virtual programs/services. 
• Determine how the library can promote remote services best to your community.
• Reach out to your local news to have your library featured.

Connect with your Colleagues

• Sign up for statewide email distribution lists such as All-Regions, MLS-PubDir, or MassYAC.
• Join a Facebook group like Libraries Step Up, Libraries are Champions for Health, or Mindfulness for Librarians.
• Learn more about services and resources provided by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and Massachusetts Library System.

Connect with your Community on Social Media

• Check out these Facebook pages for inspiration:
• Worcester Public Library
• Groton Public Library's Children's Room
• Jones Library (Amherst)
• Create reading, viewing, and listening lists.
• Publish a blog with book reviews and recommendations.

Ensure Access to Library Resources

• Consider waiving fines so patrons can access e-resources regardless of account status.
• Provide library card sign-ups for access to remote resources.
• Provide references services via email, phone, and chat.

Expand Access to e-books, Databases, and e-resources.

• Increase access your library's e-resources 24/7:
• Add additional OverDrive network collections in OverDrive's Libby app.
• Add a public library card in OverDrive's Sora app.
• Encourage your patrons to get Boston Public Library e-cards.
• Use social graphics for online library services from the MBLC Awarehouse.

Offer Virtual or Hybrid Programs

• Offer an online storytime or digital book club.
• Host a virtual art exhibit.  Check out the Forbes Library's Virtual Hosmer Gallery. 
• Host a virtual cookbook club. Check out the Sturgis Library's Cookbook Club Blog.
• Provide "take and make" crafts for kids, teens, and adults.
• Check out the MBLC Online Library Events Calendar and First Lady of the Commonwealth and Massachusetts Libraries' Video Library for ideas to replicate and post these resources on your website and social media to share with your community.

Plan Ahead

• Research grant opportunities to support community recovery.
• Draft a disaster preparedness plan.
• Get your Summer Library Programs organized (collection development, scheduling, plan crafts, publicity).

Preserve Your Local History

• Create a community archive of journal entries, photos, and stories. 
  • Example:  Topsfield Town Library - Share Your Story, Arlington Robbins Library COVID-19 Community Archive
• Collect personal stories, video, photographs to preserve campus community experiences. 
  • Example:  UMass Boston Archives
• Preserve a special collection such as pictures of home-cooked meals, empty grocery store shelves, take-out menus. 
  • Example:  Amesbury Public Library - Amesbury Eats

Promote Self-Care

• Be kind to yourself and take good care of your health and staff's health.
• Create a basic needs information guide for your community.
• Encourage patrons to exercise.  Check out this staying active while at home site from the Westport Library.

Serve as a Recovery Center for the Community

Learn more about the Library Recovery Funding Proposal from ALA.

Provide information for patrons about COVID-19, financial assistance, and mental health.

Identify opportunities for community engagement by reviewing websites and social media from your school system, town/city agencies, and local community-based organizations

Stay Up-to-Date Professionally

• Check out the MLS Online Library Training Guide including podcasts, webinars, archived conferences, and database/computer training.
• Catch up on professional reading: American Libraries Magazine, Public Libraries, or ACRL Journal/Magazines.
• If you are very ambitious, publish a blog post or professional journal article.

Support Legislative Advocacy

• Reach out to your local legislators to ask what the library can do to help.
• Promote that the library is providing essential services.
• Check the MLA Engage for advocacy messages to send to your legislators.

For more ideas, check out these resources: