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

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.
• Offer an online storytime or digital book club.
• Use social graphics for online library services from the MBLC Awarehouse.
• Host a virtual art exhibit.  Check out the Forbes Library's Virtual Hosmer Gallery. 

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
• 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 new 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.
• Remind your community to complete their census.
• Promote that the library is providing essential services.

For more ideas, check out these resources: