Zoom Call Recording & Notes
Wed, April 29, 2020
Summary:
(1:00). Annette de Faveri (Executive Director, BCLA) reiterated the email announcement about $65,000 coming to BCLA to put Summer Reading Club (SRC) online. There will be weekly updates about SRC coming from Cynthia Ford, watch for those in your email. And always feel free to reach out to Annette directly with questions (execdir@bcla.bc.ca)
Question about whether there would be any connection between TD Summer Reading Club and Virtual SRC in BC - answer is no, there are no plans to connect with TD (ie Toronto Public Library) SRC.
(12:42). Mari Martin. The funding for Virtual SRC is coming from the one time funding of $1.8 million that was given to the Coop.
(18:29). Question - are others interested in expanding Virtual SRC to include teenagers. Large response of “yes.” There are things we could recycle from the past, great logos and materials.
(23:52). Comment/Question - We need to put together some kind of a plan together. Is that something that LB helps with? or ABCPLD will take the lead?
Mari said - government has started to work on guidance material. LB would like to connect with ABCPLD about this and set up a working group.
Comment that it would be helpful if Ministry of Education would say “libraries are important community structure to support vulnerable communities and children and families.” Talk about how much it matters we re-open.
Scott added in that it’s important to incorporate the work of the CULC COVID Think Tank - work will be done May 21st. Christina and Maureen are both on the Think Tank, but this work isn’t about phasing re-opening.
(36:10). Question - Mari, what’s your take on when we might re-open? Mari responded that State of Emergency has been extended to May 15th so she guesses they’re working to mid-May.
NVDPL has started a take out service this week. 1 step towards normalcy.
Question from Mari - are people considering how to prioritize services to vulnerable populations? What’s driving your service delivery?
(39:04). Update re: Coop. Coop has received feedback on the guidelines and they’re refining the guidelines. While also doing research on costing so they’ll have a list of possible projects along with their projected costs. Kevin Millsip will come back to an ABCPLD call at the end of May to provide an update.
(40:45). Confusion that some Directors had heard that the provincial core suite of databases had been decided as a Coop project going forward. Clarifying that this was a mistake and no projects have been decided yet. The core suite is definitely on the list of possible projects but nothing has been decided yet.
(41:19). ABCPLD AGM has been rescheduled to Tues June 23rd. It will be virtual. Timing is 1-3 pm. A more detailed announcement and request for RSVP will be coming in a future ABCPLD newsletter.
(43:03). ABCPLD has sent a letter to Minister Adrian Dix requesting provincial guidelines around restoring library services.
(46:30). Group Conversation about restoring library services and implications on union, whether we should coordinate and to what extent.
(49:15). Whistler looking at curbside pickup.
Fraser Valley looking at curbside pickup and telephone service in 1st phase. A 2nd phase would be restoring some kind of bookable access to computers. Then looking at limited access to libraries, then eventually small scale programming but limited numbers of people to support social distancing.
West Van looking at holds pickup. Thinking mainly online programming through the summer.
Vancouver has 3 phases in restoration plan. 1st phase is curbside pickup in 4-5 locations and opening up a computer lab in a vulnerable neighbourhood. On union side, there is a lot of interest to bring people back to work. Then looking at limited re-opening for limited locations in July and allow holds pickup and booked computer access. Looking to opening of retail and restaurants, that will signal to community it’s safe. By September, hoping to have most locations open (if finances allow) and limited number of people in locations, and no in person programming. Allow 1 on 1 appointments for small business help and employment assistance. Continue to do online programming for next year.
Surrey is coordinating a strategy with rec centres as many library facilities are co-located. Their first phase would be getting staff back into the libraries and clearing the returns. And starting curbside pickup at multiple locations. Staff are also keen to come back to work so they’re looking at creative opportunities for them to return. Doesn’t anticipate staff being back until July, and doors being open to public until August. But so much of this is driven by city.
Smithers. Our most vulnerable populations need our services the most and yet they’re at the highest risk of COVID. Like seniors. Concern about doing something that could hurt them, and also the risk that this population brings in to libraries as they’re at higher risk of spreading COVID as well. When do we say, now is not the time to jump through hoops?
Castlegar. Feel the same way. These measures are finding the loopholes, we’re losing sight that this virus kills people and I also feel a deep responsibility to my staff. Really struggling with this as well. They’re starting a re-opening phase.
North Vancouver City. Looking to launch a takeout service next Monday, May 4. We closed out an abundance of caution but maybe we didn’t consider what we could have continued. Our takeout service is contactless. We’re taking precautions based on all the concerns. Worked with fire department and health offer locally to work through concerns. It’s possible to find ways to do this safely and in compliance with best practice. Look at your library and community, what are the factors in your decision making? There are also really dangerous costs to isolation.
Rossland. Working on plan to start a holds pickup service. Haven’t stopped delivery service of Daisy Discs to homebound patrons. They’re expecting no in person programming this year.
Squamish. Launched home delivery service this week. Volunteers are doing delivery. Would like to start doing curbside pickup but haven’t got there yet. May start with people who have holds now and not announce it yet but start there. Worried about opening the doors too soon. I get nervous about resuming computer service because how to keep staff safe when they’re helping people.
Bowen Island. Started curbside pickup 4 weeks ago and then discontinued after 2 weeks. So they’ve got this ready to go and could re-start anytime. Curbside pickup doesn’t feel scary to me. They do what they can online. They have a “med shed” where they lend out medical equipment to people. They’re continuing this as an “essential service” for Bowen residents. They might re-open book drop 2 days/wk. Won’t start in house programming until the fall or later.
(1:16:10). Thoughts about coordinating timing of rolling out these services?
Gibsons. Important to have common guidelines but timing is so unique to communities and need to be made in local context. But great if we were all saying the same thing about the services, following the same protocols.
Sechelt. Important also to have coordinated approach to re-opening of libraries. We need to balance the urgency of needing to open with the real risk of giving our patrons COVID.
Powell River. The regional approach for coordinating makes a lot of sense. Following health authorities. What could be useful to coordinate is what are the indicators in each of these health authorities?
Fort Nelson. Clear guidelines would be useful, even if just for dealing with my Board. Some don’t think we should be closed at all.
Fraser Valley. This is why we wrote the letter to Adrian Dix, because we’ve been hearing mixed and sometimes conflicting advice from different health authorities.
Creston. I like the regional approach, makes more sense to me.
Cranbrook. I would like to see some kind of coordination, even if just agreement on protocols to follow when offering services (whether curbside or public computer use, etc). So people walking into any library in the province can have a consistent expectation of what they will experience. Then we can offer these services at different times based on our regional situation, but with some consistency. I’d like to wait and get information from the province, but pressure is mounting.
Given the importance and timeliness of this conversation, we’re going to have another Zoom call next week.
Wed, April 22, 2020
Summary:
(1:55). Mari Martin was on the call as a guest to take questions.
Let people know she’s sending out an update to the Directors email list about how to turn off ILL.
Talked about expectation around libraries reporting on the technology grants. They’re building a framework right now and would like to do this in collaboration with Directors. Aim is to launch the framework in May. They’re looking for libraries to use this framework and let the Libraries Branch know how they’re going to spend the money by August.
Time frame on spending the money - try to spend it in the next 12 months but it’s not required. In March 2021, they’re hoping to hear from you on what you spent the money. The reporting will be integrated inside the Provincial Library Grant report.
(16:52). Update re: ABCPLD Board writing a letter to Health Minister Adrian Dix to seek provincial guidance around libraries re-opening.
(23:13). Directors broke into Small Groups to gather feedback on Coop Guidelines.
(24:40). Each group shared themes of feedback. Andrea will share feedback with Coop to inform the next stages of their work. On behalf of the ABCPLD board, Andrea requested that the Coop bring 3-5 project ideas back to the Library Directors for further discussion. This process has not been confirmed yet by the Coop, it’s at the request stage.
(51:02). Question re: copyright and storytime on Facebook. Understanding that we have permission to read stories by Canadian authors until June 30th but we have to give credit to the authors and publishers. Helpful document from Access Copyright Canada.
Additional related information shared from Christina de Castell via email: “I'm leading a CFLA copyright working group and we'll put out guidance for online storytimes for libraries soon. I've written a draft and I hope we'll have it out in the next two weeks. Our argument will be that storytime in libraries is an early literacy activity, and this means it falls under an educational fair dealing purpose and doesn't require permission. For this and all that follows, please note that this is not legal advice and I am not a lawyer.
Other digital programming activities using books either require a clear exception you're working under (education, research, private study, criticism etc.), or they need permission. Again, they may have an educational purpose - you'll need to think about your strong argument for this or any other exception. I consider early literacy a strong argument.
If your storytime has an educational purpose (early literacy) then you have a good argument for an exception and don't need to stick to the publishers who have granted permission unless you and your institution are quite risk intolerant (fair dealing is a defense, so it's never a simple answer). If it doesn't have an educational purpose, you need to seek permission or use books where the publisher has granted permission, like the Access Copyright Read Aloud program and some other publishers (Penguin RandomHouse, Scholastic Canada and others in the list Tina attached)." - Christina
(53:00) Re: Survey sent to Library Directors about impact of COVID-19. Please fill out by Fri May 1st.
(53:55). We have a call next Wednesday. Then in May and June, we’ll move to every other week for meetings. There was a desire to perhaps ramp back up to weekly meetings once operations open again.
Wed, April 15, 2020
Chat Box Comments
Summary:
(2:38). Kevin Millsip, ED of the BC Libraries Coop, provided an overview of the one time funding they received from the Province.
Of the $1.8 million that’s coming to the Coop, $250,000 is earmarked for connectivity and $1.55 million is for a broader area of focus (outlined below). All of the funds are linked back to the Libraries Branch strategic plan, particularly Priority 1: Improving Access.
In terms of process, the Coop and the Libraries Branch have had 1 initial meeting to start talking about “guidelines” or “lenses” with which to decide projects.
Draft Guidelines, looking for feedback from Directors (Note from Andrea: we will focus on this at our next Wednesday call.)
Raise the floor for those who have the least.
Projects that have long-term impact for the sector / vs. shorter-term projects related to the pandemic. Shorter term measurables (i.e. impacts that can be trackable and measurable for reporting purposes).
Suggest industry standards for things like routers/other hardware.
Inclusivity: make projects accessible at source where we can – look for ways to built this into all projects – Accessibility is on is on the Ministers radar.
Solutions that can be scaled systematically – open source where possible, community ownership, self-support from the community, local support. The pandemic has highlighted this as an issue.
What’s the exit strategy for a given project, taking into consideration that these are one-time funds?
(14:28). Mari Martin update on one time funding and delivering on strategic plan.
(22:47). Tami Setala from the Coop provided some additional information on one time funding and current thinking from perspective of digital resources, including background information on a 2018 survey leading to a proposal to have a provincial core suite of databases.
(31:58). Sharon Herbert from the Coop also provided information on one time funding and current thinking from perspective of Sitka and support.
(36:37). Scott Leslie from the Coop also provided information on one time funding and current thinking from perspective of connectivity.
(46:48). Kevin Millsip and talking next steps. He’ll return to a future ABCPLD Zoom call in about 3 weeks or so. Results from the Directors Survey (coming next week from ABCPLD) will provide some helpful data for next steps. Also gathering feedback from Directors on proposed Guidelines.
(48:44). Andrea provides additional information about the Library Directors survey coming soon.
(57:55). Update on process of trying to get definitive provincial position from Dr. Bonnie Henry.
- Move into Directors Only portion of call -
(1:04:22). Thoughts about Coop timing for rolling out core suite of databases and how to decide whether to purchase databases for your own library or not. Many people are interested in using technology but they need support. (Like a provincial helpline?)
(1:09:52). Communication and coordination with the local schools and how this impacts resource buying decisions.
(1:15:54). One thing we might consider augmenting summer reading with is the numeracy aspect, numeracy continuity.
(1:16:15). Idea from Powell River to offer “analog” services for students like physical packages sent through the mail.
(1:17:05). Question about moving Summer Reading Club (SRC) to digital version.
(1:18:35). Kootenay Library Federation Directors are wondering if we can all coordinate the phase in of our physical services. This way we can support each other in our decisions.
Ideally, we’d have a definitive response from Dr. Bonnie Henry or a health authority.
But there’s some concern that we might not receive this feedback, so there could be value in us continuing to put our heads together AND hope we hear back from Dr. Henry.
We’re in a state of emergency for another 2 weeks, so we know that means status quo for at least another 2 weeks. So we could build models of what we could do whenever we do get a green light.
(1:23:33). Funding opportunity comment. This funding, coupled with COVID, is the opportunity to do something that shows a real direct impact on our communities. Can we do this in a collective way to really leverage and make it better for everybody?
Wed, April 8, 2020
Summary:
Mari Martin joined as a guest to highlight the new strategic plan for BC libraries that just rolled out.
Scott shared speaking points he’s sending to Minister Fleming re: libraries response to COVID-19:
Libraries across the province are reacting to the COVID-19 Crisis in ways that make sense for their specific communities.
Libraries are providing authoritative information on COVID-19 from accurate sources, and trying to ensure their communities are not getting poor information on the disease from non-reputable sources.
Most are using any available budget to purchase additional digital resources, in particular more titles and copies of eBooks and eAudiobooks from service providers such as Overdrive. Where available, libraries are also reducing caps on downloadable streaming video services such as Acorn or Kanopy.
Many libraries are engaged in developing and delivering virtual versions of popular programs such as storytime. Some are downloadable video, some are interactive, and some are downloadable video supported by library staff interacting with patrons via social media.
Overall, public libraries are supporting their communities per the guidelines from provincial health authorities – we’re helping our communities “Stay Connected, While Staying Apart”, and reducing the risks associated with social isolation.
(14:55). Conversation about physical materials - curb side pick up or no, opening drop boxes or not. Request to get the “final word” from Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Post from ALA Thread re: curbside pick up:
“A library in Florida that closed but continued curbside service through the end of March now has multiple staff members exhibiting signs of COVID-19: www.palmcoastobserver.com/article/... I don't post this carelessly or to instill fear. But it is clear, particularly with all CDC and WHO guidance, that continuing any in-person library services at this time is putting people at risk, no matter what precautions are taken or how often surfaces or materials are cleaned. Curbside service is still an in-person service. Librarianship is a service profession, and it is painful to see people in need and not to be able to help. But we are not medical professionals, and the services that we provide are not essential during a pandemic.
Libraries have been building a parallel online infrastructure for over twenty years. Your patrons still have lots of access to news and entertainment, even in areas with poor broadband coverage. We can still serve our patrons from our homes while encouraging them to remain in theirs. Here's a great resource from American Libraries with some ideas for how to safely assist patrons, especially those without homes, during these trying times: americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/... I'm sure there are other creative ideas out there for how we can help each other without physical contact.”
------------------------------
Shanna Hollich
shollich@gmail.com
(37:24). Conversation about staff still working on site at libraries.
(49:13). Options for patrons who don’t have internet at home, or limited/slow access to internet.
North Shore libraries are working together on solutions. They’re talking with Telus, they have a lot of interest in supporting libraries with low cost access.
(55:44). Conversation about re-allocating collection resources to digital resources.
Summary of Small Group conversation re: how libraries are thinking of spending the 1 time digital funding:
Considering purchasing hardware. Considering establishing a new online resource but big concern is if we buy something new with 1 time funding, there will be ongoing associated costs. Problematic for the future.
Unlikely to spend funding on anything subscription based until we find out what the Coop is going to do. What do you do in year 2 and so on? So thinking about hardware for improved access, equipment of various sorts in the tech/digital/robotics end.
Considerations of digital space improvements, and needs of smaller communities like how to lend out internet capability.
Licenses for e-resources like Lynda.com. How to better automate printing services, enabling people to print from personal devices. Digital learning shared resource lab called Wonder Lab - in Whistler. Need to move from desktop to laptop lending so this will enable them to buy laptop lending and make space for Wonder Lab.
Buying new public computers because their computers are end of life and patrons can’t access any digital resources on them. Another was working on a grant for digital maker space. Another was talking about idea of online resources and beefing up some of those solutions. FVRL - do a digital programming platform to do things to support digital knitting circles because demand is high for these. Important to ground these solutions back in government directions, like supporting families and income equalization.
Wondering what Coop is going to do. Computer upgrades. Updating access points. Purchasing a firewall. Looking at potential gaming computers. Connectivity is an issue. Internet connections in small communities. What are options for community internet connections? Tablets, and other things like this to lend out.
Waiting to see what Coop is going to do, what they’ll have on offer. It’s early days for us in our small group. Discussed grant funding they received for technology that was in place last year and how this new money may be able to help us further our technology hubs.
Upgrades to library websites. Also waiting to hear back from Coop about the 1.8 million.
(1:13:14). Question to Directors about their possible support of ABCPLD collecting information via a survey, for advocacy purposes and for gathering helpful information about what libraries are doing to help guide decision making.
WED, April 1st Zoom Call
Preface: The recording starts after Mari Martin’s update from the Libraries Branch. She provided some more details and answered questions about the funding letters libraries received this week. I captured some of what she shared below:
This is one time extra funding. It’s not tied to the pandemic and was in fact already underway when the COVID-19 issue arose.
The money doesn’t necessarily need to be spent this year, but be in touch with the Libraries Branch if it looks like you won’t be able to spend the money this year.
The Ministry of Education arranged a provincial Zoom license for the education sector. Mari Martin is going to ask if we can do similar for the library sector.
It’s important to keep this information confidential until the Ministry has a chance to officially roll out the public communication.
Recording of the Conversation (recording removed due to lack of storage space — Apr 23 2020)
Summary:
A few comments on the funding announcement.
(3:05). Roundtable conversation about Layoffs and where the current thinking is.
(27:34). What to do about vacation requests.
(34:50). Defining essential services.
(49:50). Providing access to the collection using lockers. Recommended tool: PV-Supa
(51:45). Virtual storytime and possible copyright issues.
(53:40). Zoom and privacy issues.