Zoom Meetup Recording & Notes
Dec 9 2020
Notes from the call:
Mari Martin (Director, Libraries Branch)
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs is in the economic sector. Director comment: Big opportunity for us to show how can be of help economically.
The Libraries Branch is working on getting annual survey questions out and are seeking advice from people who want to talk about the data. Aim to get questions out to you in advance and get comments from you.
Alberta is closing libraries Dec 13th, still not entirely sure what that means. BC is still well positioned in staying open and buildings are functioning here, so seems like a different tactic in Alberta.
Essential services conversation that happened early December. Reinforce that government appreciated the questions and this has prompted a review of how to make this process more clear.
New Email Listservs coming
ABCPLD will launch new email listserv next Monday. This list is meant for director discussion.
The Libraries Branch will also launch a new email listserv, time unknown. This list is meant for the LB to share updates with you and due date reminders.
(22:00). Question from Toby, Lillooet - "how do Public Libraries keep the balance between providing access to information, and the need to block access to information that causes serious harm? How do we address debates about the legitimacy of information? Are there ways we can be proactive in our message about our role that will increase trust AND the power of critical thinking?” What’s our role to play?
Callingbullshit.org - good BCLA resource
Deb: our programming team has decided to make 2021 a "year of science" to try to focus a lot of our activities on these questions…
There is also a component of making sure that staff know how and when to disengage with our conspiracy theorists.
Behind this is a lot of fear and uncertainty, and people are clinging to things they can cling to during a tumultuous time. It’s not useful for us to engage, it’s not going to go anywhere. We want to be the stable beacon in our communities. Staying the course, being reassuring, being welcome. Meet people where they’re at while following the law.
Media Smarts, media literacy campaign. Could an organization like that do a campaign focused on accurate COVID 19 information?
Follow up, they do! “We actually do have a campaign called Check First, Share After (www.checkthenshare.ca) that includes most of the resources you're looking for and is specifically about COVID-19. We also offer broader resources about finding and verifying science and health information in our Reality Check program (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpwqzyD-3dY&list=PL35978qTrUy2PPX6INayA8DdM_uP8WIVN&index=6&t=0s) and general resources on recognizing misinformation and authenticating information online in our Break the Fake campaign (www.breakthefake.ca).”
(37:15). Question from Alex, Elkford - I have been asked by my district to collect contact tracing information for any person entering the library (not just for events, as I thought was the current recommendation). The district cited WorkSafeBC, anyone else have this?
Most group comments agree that libraries have not been mandated to collect contact tracing information. Those who are asking don’t really understand libraries, and it often helps to explain that libraries are like a retail environment, this is what visits look like, and then usually the person understands.
Christina (VPL) shared an email on this prepared by their privacy officer, which you can use if you like:
Here’s the email I referred to, which was drafted by Dawn Ibey, our Privacy Officer and Director of Library Experience:
Public libraries in BC are obligated under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA). The act protects personal information in the care of public bodies in British Columbia, including our library, and makes us accountable to the public through access to information processes. This legislation guides us in our decisions around the collection, retention, and use of personal information.
During a health emergency, such as the COVID-19 crisis, the Public Health Officer has the power to issue orders that overrule other pieces of legislation such as FOIPPA. Public Health Orders or recommendations on collecting contact tracing information has been mandated or recommended for:
· Food service establishments
· Gatherings and events
· Personal service establishments (hair salons, etc.)
· Recreation and athletic facilities
· Swimming pools
To date, there have been no public health orders or recommendations issued for libraries in B.C. on collecting information for the purpose of contract tracing. Until such time that an order is issued, libraries should not collect patron information for this purpose.
The B.C. Centre for Disease control has issued a guidance document for libraries to support them in delivering their services safely.
(46:55). Library Budgets
Some libraries have heard good news on their budgets with some increases for 2021, including FVRL and VPL. Others have presented and haven’t heard back. Others won’t present until early 2021.
(55:45). The Municipal Affairs ministry mandate overlaps with current themes of focus for next year/some started this year for libraries, like reconciliation, anti-racism.
(58:21). Updates from libraries about board games and puzzles collections, creative programs and activities, holds and circ numbers increasing, sun lamp collections
(1:05:00). Anyone requiring staff to monitor the bubbles that are entering your library, now that there is an order in place? Consensus that no, because of the potential risk to staff.
(1:08:00). Any ideas for how to do a book sale during this time?
Next call: Wed Jan 13