Libraries around the Alberta and the world are responding to the pandemic in different and innovate ways, depending on their resources and the needs of their communities. Some examples of how Alberta libraries are protecting staff and the public while staying connected to the community they serve including offering virtual story times, Facebook Live dance lessons, curbside pickup of library materials and telephone assistance for people navigating digital resources.
Other library responses include providing ongoing communication with users about opportunities to use library resources or services, promoting digital content, offering an amnesty on borrowed physical books, and even using 3D printers to make personal protective equipment.
If you would like to read further about libraries responding to this pandemic, check out these posts covering Canada, the United States, and beyond.
Sustainability at a Social Distance (Library Journal)
So, I say to you now, As the doors to an unthinkable number of libraries are closing for an undefined amount of time: We are libraries. That doesn’t change with the closure of our physical doors. Libraries are about people, those who serve and those who are served, not the buildings we normally serve from, not the physical stuff we circulate. We still ride at dawn.
Canadian Libraries Respond to COVID-19 (Library Journal)
Toronto Public Library’s digital collection has experienced “incredible usage” since branches closed, says Michele Melady, manager, collection development and membership services. “It’s gratifying to know that during the closure, and while people are at home and feeling cut off from their normal way of life, that they still have access to reading materials and to entertainment and they are finding it through their public library.” she says.
Libraries’ Initiatives during Social Distancing (Princh blog)
This is one area where Librarians can offer a huge amount of support, by filtering the useful and accurate information from the rest. Libraries will always be the place to go in critical times.
Public Libraries’ Novel Response to a Novel Virus (The Atlantic)
Aware that many of their customers rely on the library as their only point of Wi-Fi access, libraries in many communities leave their Wi-Fi open after closing hours. Those numbers are increasing. Also, many libraries have loaned out the entire supply of their portable hotspots to school children who need internet connection to do at home school work. Others have purchased more hotspots to begin filling the gaps.
When libraries closed their doors abruptly, they immediately opened their digital communications, collaborations, and create activity to reach their public in ways as novel as the virus that forced them into it.