One of the bright spots in the strange and stressful moment that we find ourselves in, for me at least, is watching Colorado libraries respond. To help make Colorado libraries’ innovation more visible, we’ve launched a new series called Pandemic Practices. The latest edition covers managing Staff-Created Content, featuring input from staff at Anythink Libraries. We would love to hear more about what you are doing, how you implemented it, and any lessons that you’ve learned or best practices you’ve established thus far. We’ll share that information on Colorado Virtual Library so that all Colorado libraries can benefit. If you have information that you would like to share with the Colorado library community, please reach out to me, Marisa Wood, at mwood@coloradovirtuallibrary.org, or by phone at 303.351.2338.
The data gurus from the Library Research Service (LRS) also have a new installment of their Between a Graph and a Hard Place blog series. Identify strategies to help evaluate the data that you are being bombarded with these days with: How to Compare Apples to Oranges. How indeed…
Low Tech Connections
With Denver Public Library’s “LitLine” service, short stories, essays, and poetry — in both English and Spanish — are just a phone call away. No need to download an app for your tablet or install Zoom on your computer. Just pick up your phone and dial 720-865-2003, and you can hear a DPL staff member read aloud. Choose option 1 for story or essay in English, option 2 for poem in English, option 3 for story or essay in Spanish, and option 4 for poem in Spanish. If you want to leave feedback, choose option 5.
Though the buildings are closed to the public, Delta County Libraries patrons can request seeds from the Delta County Seed Library by mail. There are three ways to request: 1) Browse our catalog by clicking on the button below and place holds on the seeds you want 2) Email your request to achavira@deltalibraries.org 3) Call your local library and leave a message with your name, phone number, and request. 10 packets per patron per month.
#NLW Hall of Fame
National Library Week looked a little different this year. Staff at Grand County Library District took the opportunity to say hi to their patrons and tell them how excited they are to see them again. I’m not crying. You’re crying!
It's National Library Week and we have a little something to tell you…Music: www.bensound.com
Posted by Grand County Library District on Friday, April 17, 2020
Museum Marvels
Mark your calendar of Super Old News from the Aurora History Museum on Tuesdays at 11:00 am on Facebook Live. Each week you’ll join intrepid newsman of the past, Skip DeCade, as he reports the happenings of Aurora in the 1930s. Super Old News is a ride!
Join History Colorado for explorations of the past with Hands-On History @ Home at 10:00 am on Mondays through Fridays. Experience the past through engaging crafts, tutorials, and storytelling brought to you live by History Colorado’s museum professionals. If you missed an activity, you can find recordings at the Hands on History @ Home YouTube Playlist.
Learning For All
Expanding Your Library‘s Services to the Virtual | TODAY (April 24) @ 1:00 pm MDT
It’s no longer enough to build library services around the real world. Technology is enabling an entirely new set of worlds for libraries and our communities to explore and build, through the emergence of expanded reality technologies. What should libraries be doing today to aid their users, plan for, and pause to consider?
Webinar with Bright by Text | April 27 @ 1:00-2:00 pm
In this time when communication is critical, and libraries seek to virtually connect with their patrons and support them in their role as child care providers, Bright by Text (BBT) offers a helpful solution. Please join Tara Stingley, Bright by Text Program Associate to discuss the Bright by Text service, learn how to use the system, hear stories of successful use in other library systems and answer any questions you may have about BBT.
Using Social Media Listening to Adapt Your Library for COVID-19 | May 6 @ 12:00 pm MDT
This webinar will help participants understand how social media listening tools like social dashboards can be used to gather insights on a local community’s reaction to isolation and self-quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic. Participants will also learn to use these insights to adjust services and plan programs that address active community needs.
Museums and Libraries in the News
Library News: Special treat for you when we reopen: new computers | The Pagosa Springs Sun
When Ruby Sisson Memorial Library reopens, patrons will be able to enjoy upgraded public computers thanks to funds generously donated by the Friends of the Library.
Longmont library launches COVID-19 oral history project | Colorado Daily
Longmont Public Library is inviting residents to participate in recording an oral history about how the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic is affecting them, their families and the community through #StrongmontStories, Sharing in Place.
What’s New at the Colorado State Library
State Publications Blog
Library Research Service
How to Compare Apples to Oranges
Accurate interpretation of data requires that we look at it through a critical lens. Learn basic strategies to help avoid common mistakes.
Trustee Corner
Trustee Corner – April 2020
The April edition of Trustee Corner celebrates #NationalLibraryWeek and has great resources for good governance during a pandemic, #Census2020, and much more.
Colorado Virtual Library
Transcribing Women’s Suffrage in Colorado
History Colorado is looking for digital volunteers to help transcribe documents from well-known suffragists to make the collection more accessible.
Being a Library Champion During a Time of Crisis
Are you, your board, or other supporters in the community looking for ways to be a champion for the library during these difficult times? Look no further.
Youth Services Meetings, Week of April 27th
Connect with colleagues from around the state to discuss timely topics, exchange ideas, share frustrations, and celebrate successes.
Are you thinking of making a change this year in your job? Check out Library Jobline for hot new library employment opportunities.
- Community Engagement Coordinator: Garfield County Libraries / Rifle, CO
- Project Archivist: Colorado College / Colorado Springs, CO
- Technology and Innovation Manager: Garfield County Libraries / Rifle, CO
- Manager of Special Collections and Museum Services: Pueblo City-County Library District / Pueblo, CO
- Communication Specialist: Clearview Library District/ Windsor, CO
- On Site Librarian: Action Staffing Solutions / Lakewood, CO
This post is part of the Spotlight on Sharing initiative, which aims to increase the visibility of resource sharing in Colorado libraries. Do you have a story from your library to share? Email Marisa Wood, mwood@coloradovirtuallibrary.org. Also, be sure to follow Colorado State Library on Twitter and Facebook.
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