Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Fostering Social Connections
Citizen Science Programs Foster Community
Together at Home
It’s about You
Lesson 1: Be Patient
Lesson 3: Use a Growth Mindset
Lesson 6: Assessment and Reflection
Still Learning
Chapter 3: Providing a Seamless
Embrace Virtual Reference Service
Build on the Basics
Be a Know-It-All (about Your Library)
Turn and Face the Strange
The Quarantine
Phased Reopening
Current and Future Look of the Genealogy Library
Reflections
Niles Hotspot Program
Pandemic Hotspot Users
Lessons Learned
Broadband Is More Important Than Ever
Moving Online
Partnerships Are Powerful
Don’t Forget the Staff
Library Cards
Steps for New Homebound Patrons
The Staff Side of Homebound Service
Ready for Tomorrow
The Genesis of a New Service
Reader’s Advisory Service Goes Remote
Teamwork Makes the Book Chat Dream Work
What Is Virtual Accessibility?
Teaching People to Use Virtual Services
Making Connections
Staying Connected
Work with What You Have
That’s a Wrap!
The Genealogy Roadshow
The Value of Programming Partnerships
Pandemic Response
Results
New Programs and Projects
Innovations to Benefit the Library in the Future
Three Generations of Older Adults
Promising Practices to Assist Older Adults
Older Adults and the Digital Divide
Looking Forward
Chapter 14: Never Let a Crisis Go to Waste
1: Library Card Application Process
2: Fines and Fees
3: Auto-Expiring Customer Accounts
It’s Time to Fix the Funnel
How Can Public Libraries Help?
Silver Lining
Chapter 16: Panic, Pivot, and Press Play
Virtual Services
The Power of Partnerships
Communication and Promotion
What We Learned
Virtual Storytimes
Parent Workshops
Professional Development for Library Staff
Supporting Educators
Outreach
Silver Linings and Lessons Learned
Chapter 18: Tech Support in Public Libraries during the COVID-19 Shutdown
Adaptations to the Pandemic
Obstacles and Possible Solutions
Advice to Libraries Going Forward
Online Book Club
Bookmatch
Book Chat
Everything You Are Good At, Just Online
Reader’s Advisory on Social Media
Exploring New Platforms
Plaza Programming
Programming during COVID-19—Opportunities
Cultural Inclusivity Programming
Outreach during COVID-19
Supporting the Staff
Chapter 22: Walk This Way
Into the Great Wide Open
Heroes
Measuring Virtual Programs
Maximizing and Measuring Virtual Programming
About the Contributors
Index