Upcoming Chats  

  • Impact on Your Library’s Stats – Thursday May 14th, 1pm MST 
  • Connecting with Adults – Tuesday May 19th, 10am MST 
  • Virtual Teaching & Learning Platforms – Thursday May 28th, 1pm MST 
  • School/ Academic Libraries (RESCHEDULED) – Tuesday June 2nd, 10am MST 

Recordings, notes, and slides from previous chats can be found at the top of the COVID-19 Resources for Libraries site 

COVID-19 Resources for Libraries website updates 

  • A link to CARES Funding resources for Idaho has been added to the top toolbar. See below for more information on CARES mini-grant opportunities. 
  • The listing of library closures/ openings has been moved to the COVID-19 Info for Libraries section. This will be updated as time allows and is a great way to see what neighboring libraries are offering. 

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

CARES Funding for public and special libraries The ICfL is receiving $161,477 as Idaho’s portion of the funds appropriated to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This funding is to be used to address digital inclusion and related technical support in the context of workforce development and/or broadband availability. 

The first portion of this funding (approximately $100,000) will be made available immediately as competitive mini-grants ($250-$1,000 per location) to address digital inclusion needs for public libraries (including branches and bookmobiles) and special libraries (including tribal, military, corrections, and archives).

Virtual chats for those interested in applying to discuss needs, share plans and ideas for grand funds and have questions answered. Sessions will be recorded and posted. 

For more information (including the full grant overview and requirements) and to apply, visit the online mini-grant application form. The deadline for applications is May 31, 2020. 

Second Snapshot of School Librarian Roles during School Closures – the American Association of School Librarians has launched their third survey since the pandemic started. The survey continues to capture trend data, and it also includes questions regarding expectations for student outcomes and educator reporting, student participation rates, hurdles faced by school librarians, and self-care. (Deana) 

Local music collection development to support artists and libraries impacted by COVID-19  To empower librarians who wish to quickly launch MUSICat collections to directly support artists during the pandemic, Rabble is offering a pop-up MUSICat platform at no cost to participating libraries for as long as the COVID-19 crisis lasts: MUSICat Now. This emergency platform supports a fully functional dedicated MUSICat instance for libraries, with customizable graphics, copy, licenses, and artist communication, and a streamlined setup process so you can start collections as soon as possible. Libraries must run submission rounds and commit to pay artists a minimum of $200 per licensed album in your collection. Rabble can help with fundraising tools. To sign up, fill out the form here. (Randy) 

Free N95 Masks for Idaho Health Care Providers and Others The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) signed a use agreement with Battelle that will encompass Idaho state agencies and local jurisdictions. This agreement will allow state and local emergency management, first responders, coroners, medical examiners, corrections departments, public health districts, and child protective services to operate under a single agreement. There is no cost to use the service. Entities can request Battelle CCDS services here: https://www.battelle.org/inquiry/offerings-and-services/covid-response  (Stephanie)