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Dear Library Champion,
As communities throughout the country face exceptional circumstances, public libraries and sector partners are breaking service barriers to provide resources communities need. Where physical access is restricted, public libraries play an important role to ensure that information that supports health; well-being, education, employment and recreation remain accessible.
The Manitoba government has issued a new Public Health Act Order effective April 1st, which will require many non-essential business (and non-profit) organizations to close until April 14, 2020. Although public libraries are not specifically listed on the schedule of critical services - libraries are municipal services. Operations and delivery of municipal services are not prevented under the Public Health Act Order. The Public Library Services Branch is working with the Critical Service Providers Issues Management Unit for clarity and will communique broadly to confirm this interpretation. At this time, public libraries are encouraged to continue to work closely with local authorities and health agencies to align local priorities and support the residents across the service area. Libraries seeking information or have questions about the Order and schedule of critical services can visit http://engagemb.ca/covid19-csp.
The American Library Association is providing Pandemic Preparedness - Resources for libraries including ‘library-specific policy suggestions and more universal resources on pandemic education, prevention and preparation’.
Wi-Fi is a vital public service and the American Library Association recommends libraries leave Wi-Fi running. Increasingly, and out of economic necessity, community members may be turning to your Wi-Fi to apply for Employment Insurance and/or the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit. Now is the time to make Wi-Fi, virtual programming, digital collection, databases, and virtual reference shine. Many of your colleagues are already making innovative in-roads to accommodate access to services. Consider virtual engagement opportunities such as local author presentations, human library events, storytelling, book clubs, craft or cooking demonstrations or how-to classes, and online adult colouring materials. The Association of Canadian Publishers and Access Copyright has created the Read A Loud Canadian Books Program with guidelines enabling librarians to deliver online story time without licensing restrictions until June 30, 2020. Similar information is available for American Publishers from the School Library Journal. Connect your staff and community volunteers in using platforms like Zoom, consider which platforms to engage your community and stream virtual content.
Many library partners have responded by making online resources available for all:
- Bloomsbury Digital Resources provides a wide range of scholarly content with a focus on the Humanities and Social Sciences. Available free through to the end of May 2020.
- Curio.ca provides streaming educational content (audio and video) for students of all ages. Complimentary access, no set-up required.
- TumbleBooks provides a suite of children’s book databases with content such as talking books, read-alongs, and games. Free to all libraries until at least August 31, 2020. Email info@tumblebooks.com with subject line “Free TumbleBooks” to receive shareable links.
- Jbrary Storytime Online Resources provides a compilation of free early literacy resources and library-produced content, all accessible remotely.
- Internet Archive - National Emergency Library was created to serve displaced learners and library users. Waitlists for 1.4 million books in the lending library have been suspended until June 30, 2020, or the end of the US national emergency, whichever is later. For information visit the Internet Archive Blog.
A list of other offers and updates compiled at Library Journal’s Infodocket. Continue connecting with your colleagues throughout the province and broader sector for inspiration and problem solving. You might find some helpful ideas on the following Facebook pages Programming Librarian Interest Group and Libraries Step Up (in times of crisis).
IMPORTANT PROGRAM UPDATES:
TD Summer Reading Program may be going virtual this summer. Library and Archives Canada has advised that “should service disruptions and physical distancing continue into the summer, please use your library’s online platforms to direct families to tdsrc.ca. On the site kids will be able to track their reading, access free ebooks and engage in related activities, including a new Battle of the Books feature. Also, to help libraries track online participation, we will be reporting on the number of online notebook registrations per library. Please stay tuned for more information.”
Overdrive is introducing a special initiative to help libraries extend access to eLibraries Manitoba content. Enrollment in the free Canadian Digital Instant Card (CDIC) service will allow libraries to register patrons for a temporary 12-month card with a verification code. Patrons will be able to access content through the Libby account via their cell phone. As more information becomes available from Overdrive we will relay it to the library community. Now might be a good time to consider upgrading to an Overdrive Advantage Plus member. Advantage Plus members purchase content to prioritize lending to local patrons while simultaneously contributing to the consortia collection. The Advantage Plus account is first set up as an Advantage Account through an application and setup fee of $250.
EBSCOhost and its partners are providing free resources and expanded access to help your library continue meeting the needs of students, teachers and patrons. Including supports for distance learning, study guides, and activities to keep kids (and their parents) busy while in quarantine. Promote EBSCOhost access and other licenced and free content.
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