Zoom Call Recording & Notes
July 29, 2020
Summary
(00:50). Scott Leslie from the BC Libraries Coop. 3 updates:
1) Connectivity funds now open at https://digiprojects.libraries.coop/connectivity/
2) Connectivity Consultant Hired. Meet them on ABCPLD call Aug 26, call for consulting will open same time.
3) “Connecting BC Fund.” Regions covered in the Northern Development Initiative. If you see yourself on this list, consider sending in a Letter in Support of connectivity for Northern Libraries. The Coop will draft the letter for you to edit, sign and send. Letters are due Sept 15th. This essentially communicates “don’t forget about us when you’re funding connectivity.”
Any questions, contact Scott: scott.leslie@bc.libraries.coop
(12:57). Denise McGeachy from the Libraries Branch came on to talk about ILL and how we need to make a decision about how to handle the holds that were placed before lockdown happened. Decision from Directors is for Denise to send an email to both the ILL email list and the Directors list, so whoever is in charge of ILL can make the decision.
(24:45). Quarantine periods for materials. Realm Study came out last week. Christina (Vancouver) posed the question to the CULC list if anyone was considering changing their quarantine period from 72 hours. Result is most libraries are not changing from 72 hours. We still haven’t heard from the BCCDC but hope to shortly.
(38:32). Continued CUPE campaign about wanting libraries to open and that libraries should have opened much earlier. There have been some Directors getting questions from their city staff about this. If Directors need any speaking points about this campaign, ABCPLD drafted some notes. Feel free to edit these to fit your situation.
(44:28). Occupancy Limits.
(49:30). Globe and Mail article from 1 publisher. And very positive article featuring Christina (Vancouver). There is also a letter being drafted right now by CULC to respond to the Globe and Mail article written by that 1 publisher.
(53:49). Use of library facilities for work space / study space.
(1:01:00). Programming in person and virtually.
(1:08:11). How would you deal with one of your staff members testing positive for COVID.
(1:16:34). Annual grant funding and potential changes coming from Libraries Branch.
The next meeting is Wed Aug 12th and then Wed Aug 26th.
July 15, 2020
Summary
(1:15). Scott Leslie, BC libraries Coop, shared follow up announcement (email sent yesterday) about the availability of 2 new funds:
1). Strategic Network Hardware Fund - for up to $1,500 to purchase network equipment. (There’s a total of $25,000 available.)
2) Connectivity Supplement ($25,000 available each year for the next 3 years) to top up your existing connectivity fee. This is for libraries who could get better internet but you need more money to get access to existing infrastructure. There will be 2 intakes - the first is open until funds exhausted, the second will be later. They will start adjudicating the first week of August. If you’re interested, get your applications in ASAP.
For more information and to apply: https://digiprojects.libraries.coop
They also are in the process of hiring a consultant who will work 1:1 with libraries who are critically underserved and who have major connectivity issues. There will be an intake for this as well, and the Coop will send out a call. It’s up to you to avail yourself of this resource.
(6:51). Christina de Castell (Vancouver Public Library) update re: BCCDC request for clear guidelines on quarantining materials and cleaning surfaces like public computers. They are still working on this, it is taking longer than they thought because they are looking internationally for standards. She’ll bring back more information as it’s available.
(8:15). Mari Martin and Denise McGeachy from the Libraries Branch.
Shared update from survey that 50 libraries are open in some way right now. 64 libraries will have some form of open access by Aug 7. This information provides helpful data to support the messaging that has been happening to government about where libraries are at.
(13:56). Interlibrary Loan (ILL). They’d like to re-start these programs in a full turn on rather than phased approach. Libraries have the option to “opt out” if they’re not ready. To get a better sense of where libraries are at, there was a live Zoom poll.
(16:55). The Libraries Branch is reviewing funding. Figuring out how to provide ILL grants in a new way. They’re looking at restructuring the whole program.
The funding for 2021 won’t come until June 2021. So they’re planning on working this review during this window. Also, it’s always an option that government would choose to fund early during library’s fiscal years.
Library Director concern that the timeline is too tight for 2021 budget. Suggestion to make this 2 phase approach and put off changes to 2022.
“Equitable” and “transparent” are two principles the Libraries Branch will use when determining grants. Library Director concern that this isn’t clear what this means, and this creates unknown impacts on future grant amounts.
Mari: “Right now, there are 8 grants that go out. 4 go to public libraries. ILL and One Card have not been changed even though your number of use has gone up. And they haven’t been able to address population growth. They have a framework that uses 3 of 4 grants, but they haven’t been able to use these because they hit the top of their funding. They’re not transparently using their framework.”
Equitable - as cost of service increases or you have more people, it’s equitable you would get more funding. This isn’t currently in place.
Flexibility - to do accounting practices within government in a more flexible way.
Grandparenting funds. This makes it difficult for them to move the funding. They can’t guarantee any amount of funding any year. They wait on government to inform them and confirm the budget each year. They have principles that they’ve written. This will be part of the shared conversation with us.
(30:00). Continued conversation by Directors about concerns raised from this topic about grants potentially changing next year.
Concerns include: equitable means libraries with shrinking communities get less money; or big libraries could be even more impacted; where is this appetite for change coming from; lack of transparency in the past when they’ve changed grandfathered libraries; in the past, they rolled back population numbers to 2016 population; we don’t find out about changes to the formula until it’s too late and libraries have to make hard budget decisions that impact service delivery; we’re going to be in this permanent pattern of not knowing our grants until June or the earliest in April (depends on how many years ahead they plan)
What Directors want: tell us what formula you use to calculate; help us make better predictions about what our grants will be next year; give us as much advance notice as possible so we can plan for next year; put the library line back in the Ministry of Education budget (around 2010-2012, they did this so they could do flexible accounting)
(44:26). Computer cleaning protocols.
Rebecca Burbank (Powell River) shared update about computer cleaning protocol. She asked Vancouver Coastal Health to review their protocol. They’ve been cleaning computers in between each use. VCH said they don’t have to clean that often, just twice a day is sufficient.
(46:50). Beth Davies (Burnaby) shared what they’re doing in Burnaby. They only have drop in for public computers. They provide wipes for patrons to use. Most patrons are choosing not to wipe down computers, but they are sanitizing their own hands. They’re going on logic that they don’t clean elevator buttons after each time.
(48:58). Deb Koep (North Van City) shared what they’re doing in North Van, very similar to Burnaby. They are cleaning but encouraging patrons to wash their hands more. Treating surfaces as any other surface out there right now.
(50:07). Hilary Bloom (Squamish). Opening computer access next week. Using shower caps over top of keyboards. Patrons remove and then they are cleaned before being re-used. Karen Hudson (Salt Spring) has been using this already with the public and it’s been working well.
(52:34). Newspapers. How are libraries making these available to the public right now?
Ursula Brigl (Cranbrook) - the virus doesn’t survive on paper long. Encouraging patrons to sanitize hands before and after use. Have wipes available for patron use.
Cari Lynn Gawletz (Grand Forks) - not currently available, in the future, they’ll keep newspapers at the desk and will hand out upon request. Let patrons use them like normal.
(56:31). How busy are you now that you’ve opened your doors?
Grand Forks: 150 people a day, about 50% of normal
Elkford: ~ 30% of normal on average
Bowen Island: About 60% of normal
Salt Spring: 30%
Sparwood: Maybe 30%
Invermere: approx 50%
Powell River: in June with just holds pick up and computers we had 22% of normal foot traffic
North Vancouver City: About 50% of normal circ and gatecount in week one.
Southern Gulf Islands: 50-60% visitation
North Vancouver District: 50% of normal circ and gatecount
Fort Nelson: About 50%
Port Moody: We are at 35% of normal circ and people count for week one
Valemount: with just curbside we had 30% of our normal circulation for June
(58:50). For those libraries who are open, are patrons being respectful?
The majority of libraries have experienced that most people have been respectful and patient.
(1:00:00). Is anyone requiring staff to wear masks?
Some libraries encourage staff to wear masks but don’t require it.
Some libraries require it only when staff are working with the public or when physical distancing or physical barriers aren’t available.
(1:02:45). Face shields and issues with staff using them behind plexiglass/not feeling safe.
Some suggestions: remind people of hierarchy of controls, with physical barriers being at the top and masks at the bottom; give staff space for a week or so to realize themselves what’s realistic and what’s not
(1:06:30). Idea on how to keep pages safe while shelving, using cones.
(1:07:00). How to navigate staff hesitation when working with the public.
Some suggestions: Daily briefings and de-briefings; reminding staff that we have to be willing to say “no,” we’re offering service as possible, not as usual (Cranbrook); listening to staff about concerns and making changes accordingly (like cancelling curbside for the first week when they opened), and bought pizza and let people off early (Burnaby)
(1:12:58). Has anyone been asked to implement contact tracing? (ie getting patron names when they enter the building)
No libraries reported that they are currently doing this. If we did, there are enormous privacy concerns.
(1:15:14). For those of you who are open, are you still doing some form of takeout service? When you opened, did this reduce your numbers doing takeout?
Most libraries who are open are still offering it. Some have stopped it because of low use.
(1:16:40). Are you requiring your patrons to wear masks when they come in?
No libraries reported that they are requiring this. They are following the health officer who has explicitly directed not to require masks.
(1:18:08). If you’re doing open hours and take out, are your hours the same for both or different?
Libraries who reported shared their hours are the same.
(1:19:17). How are libraries finding SRC? Interest in your community?
Libraries who reported shared the interest is lower than usual, ranging from 50% to 80% of usual SRC activity.
Next meeting is in 2 weeks - Wed July 29 from 3-4:30 pm.
July 2, 2020
Summary
(2:01). 4 Guests from the Law Matters Program (Courthouse Libraries BC). Caroline Nevin, CEO of Law Matters, presented about Law Matters.
2 key messages: 1) there will be a lot of legal issues arising and libraries will likely see these kinds of questions when they open their doors, and 2) they’re here to help you deal with legal issues.
They have resources to help libraries and librarians:
They’d like to put a survey out to guide their future resource development, in order to best meet library needs. More to come.
There was some conversation about the desire for libraries to have a private space for the public to participate in virtual legal meetings, hearings, etc.
(18:30). Mari Martin, Director Libraries Branch.
Mari shared a few updates about the survey just released about opening dates, and also about the Annual Survey workshops happening later this summer.
(32:45). Topics/Questions from Directors
Quarantining Materials
Carmen Oleskevich (Southern Gulf Islands Community) shared information she received from WorkSafe BC that there is no requirement to set aside library materials, ie quarantine them.
Current practices amongst most libraries is still to do 72 hours. The first step of the IMLS study is still advising 72 hours.
(38:37). Boycotting Facebook
Maureen Sawa (Greater Victoria) shared how the CULC listserv is talking about Facebook and whether to pull out of Facebook services for July. Related link.
(45:15). What are the challenges you’re facing since being open? Some libraries shared their experiences.
Coquitlam Public Library created a video for patrons preparing them on what to expect when they visit the library.
(51:00). Conversation about staff challenges.
(57:40). Tips for helping staff transition back to work.
(1:05:27). Making masks available for staff.
(1:14:00). Patrons asking to use the program and meeting rooms.
(1:16:35). Outdoor programming.
(1:19:27). Touchless self-check out using Sitka.
June 10, 2020
Summary
(1:35). Mari Martin from the Libraries Branch provided a few updates:
ILL - still working on this, using the feedback gathered at last week’s zoom call. Will bring update next week.
Template for Library Technology Grant - working on finalizing this. Will ask for your completed template by Oct 15th. Will send template out likely next week.
Government is going into budget period, will bring updates to this call.
(10:11). ABCPLD Best Practices is almost ready. Susan Walters provided some additional context behind the document.
(13:42). Public washroom access. Deb Koep shared the latest info from the Provincial Health Officer about libraries being one of the places to make public washrooms accessible to vulnerable populations. Group conversation about what each library is doing and ideas for offering public washrooms.
Related document: PHO Guidance re: people who are homeless
Related document: Ministry of Health response to homeless encampment health issues
(27:15). Cari Lynn Gawletz from Grand Forks Library shared pictures and an update about how week 1 of re-opening has gone. (34:15). Other directors asked questions.
(40:18). Leianne Emery from Sechelt asked about mitigating liability related to COVID. The Sechelt Board was asking about this. Conversation about patrons exhibiting symptoms in the library.
(56:20). Question about interactions between staff and patrons.
(1:03:55). Question about suggested time for patrons in the library. And question about newspaper reading in the library.
(1:06:36). Question about recording names of people visiting the library.
(1:10:03). Question about limiting people who visit library to cardholders.
(1:11:36). Question about using 5 sq metres vs. 10 sq metres for spacing in libraries.
(1:13:45). Question about 1:1 computer tutoring - planning any way to offer this in person?
(1:16:25). Can we do another short survey?
(1:19:42). Question about offering appointments and who to offer appointments to, just cardholders?
June 3, 2020
Summary
(1:57). Annette de Faveri from BCLA provided an update about Summer Reading Club (SRC). Training library staff begins June 5th. Launch date is scheduled for June 12th or June 15th. Engaged lawyer to provide legal recommendations for creating a privacy policy.
(24:50). Mari Martin from the Libraries Branch wanted to get a sense of how ready libraries were to start Inter Library Loan. We did a live Zoom poll to gauge people’s readiness. Results:
Half of people would like ILL asap. Half of people want ILL when hours are a bit more normal.
Most libraries will be honouring BC One Card users, and others are awaiting provincial direction.
More conversation will happen and further updates will come back to this group.
(36:55). Scott Hargrove, Chair ABCPLD, provided an update on
RAAC committee (Regional Administrators Advisory Committee) request for Lower Mainland libraries to get on the same page. A separate document is being created and more updates will be coming in mid June from this sub group. The Best Practices document for all of ABCPLD is continuing to be worked on by Susan Walters and Deb Koep.
ABCPLD Business meeting and AGM scheduled for Tues June 23rd. Networking session begins at 12:30 pm and meeting runs from 1-3 pm.
Reminder to get nominations in for Vice Chair, Treasurer/Secretary (due June 15), and Award of Excellence (due June 12).
(42:41). Elizabeth Tracy, Vice Chair ABCPLD, provided some additional background on the budget consultation template letter.
(52:03). Scott raised a question about where the current thinking is regarding libraries making masks available to the public to wear when inside the library. We had a contact from someone who asked us about this and said they might be able to get a large supply for libraries.
We did a zoom poll, results are that vast majority are not interested in making masks available to the public. 13 haven’t yet decided. None said they are planning on making masks available.
If we did have a large supply available, would libraries be interested?
(59:21). Todd Gniossios from Coquitlam Public library provided a brief presentation on how things are going at CPL. CPL has been seen as an “early adopter.”
Open Sharing
(1:13:00). Cari Lynn Gawletz from Grand Forks shared how they opened library doors on June 3rd. No computer access yet.
(1:14:20). Question and conversation about square metres requirement.
(1:18:00). Deb Koep from North Van City shared some circulation stats from 1 month of curbside pick up.
(1:19:00). Todd shared recommendation to purchase keyboard covers asap if you plan on using them in computer labs. He purchased his from Amazon and it took 6 weeks to arrive. Cost around $5-6 each.
(1:23:10). Question if libraries will continue curbside pick up after doors open. Most libraries said “yes.”
(1:29:56). Question about when libraries will be introducing public holds shelf? Coquitlam said not for a long time. Richmond is considering doing this when people start visiting library.
(1:31:40). Todd shared how the positive comments they’re receiving about libraries is more than he’s seen in his 6 years at CPL.