New format for weekly calls!

The weekly “Sharing COVID-19 Experiences” chats will now be focused on a topic and recorded so you can view later as time allows. Here are the ones we have scheduled for the rest of the month:

  • Tuesday, April 21st @ 10am MST/ 9am PST – Disinfecting & Reopening Strategies – Libraries will reopen at some point! What might that look like? What cleaning and disinfecting did your library do before it closed? What will it have to do to reopen? Let’s share ideas and strategies so we can all stay safe and healthy!
  • Thursday, April 30th @ 1pm MST/ noon PST – Teens – How is your library serving and staying connected with teens during the pandemic? Share your experiences and get resources for serving teens virtually through social media.

The link to join these chats can be found on the Virtual Events Calendar.

Library related COVID-19 resources and articles ICfL staff think you will find useful! 

Governor Little amends stay-at home order and extends until April 30, 2020

Now and Next: What a Post-COVID World May Bring for Libraries Ten developments The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is seeing today, and explore what they may mean in terms of trends shaping the future of libraries. It is not – and cannot be – exhaustive, and certainly can be improved. (Deana)

Digital Public Library of America (DPLA)  Catalog Newly launched, this web catalog allows anyone to browse and directly download more than 6,300 eBook titles available on DPLA’s Open Bookshelf; read classic novels, children’s books, textbooks and non-English titles, all for free, with no login or library card needed. These books are also available to read for free via the SimplyE app: just download the SimplyE app on iOS or Android (from the App or Play store) and choose “Digital Public Library of America” as your library. (Allison)  

DIY Face Shield Attaches to Glasses I’ve been keeping new developments in DIY PPE on my radar and this one struck me as a clean and simple design that could lessen the amount of plastic being used. Also got me wondering about the number of plastic sheet protectors and dividers I might have laying around. (Deana)

Idaho Historical Society Seeks Your COVID-19 Experience The Idaho Historical Society is seeking first person accounts on how COVID-19 has shaped Idahoans’ lives. I’m sure historians years from now would love to read about how we got through this together! Visit the link for more information and details on how to contribute: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZClWrqET7jsjp8MOhArOzb2rtupCTmE-cOMuE-50Rjoa1lw/viewform (Annie)  

 Center for the Future of Libraries shares near-and long-term implications for the current coronavirus pandemic. It includes information about the possible ways communities will respond to the pandemic and implications for specific areas of society. The page will be updated, and contributions are welcome! (Jennifer & Deana) 

 Census Bureau temporarily suspends 2020 Census field data collection The hope is to reactivate field offices beginning June 1, 2020. The Census Bureau is also seeking statutory relief from Congress of 120 additional calendar days to deliver final counts. (Deana)