This week, as Colorado entered new ‘safer-at-home’ territory, the conversation in Colorado libraries has started to shift from virtual programming and the like, to how to safely resume some services, and even begin reopening physical locations. Once again we are wading into uncharted territory. This week’s Friday Grab Bag, in addition to highlighting fun, unique, and interesting happenings, offers some resources to help.
Let’s open the Friday Grab Bag!
Re-Opening Safely
Colorado State Library has compiled a list of resources related to the restoration of library services that may be useful to library administrators and other decision makers. The list is organized with a few general categories, followed by areas that align with the Colorado Public Library Standards (2016). The list will be updated regularly as new resources become available: Restoration of Library Services: Resources for Decision Makers.
COVID-19: Safety Tips for Reopening Your Library | May 12 @ 12:00 pm MDT
Demco invites you to join pediatrician and librarian Dr. Dipesh Navsaria as he talks about what we know about COVID-19, how to think about and evaluate steps you can take to keep people safe, and what safety measures could become the new norm. Registration is required. Click HERE to register. If you are unable to attend, the recording will be available within 24 hours.
CLiC has compiled a guide for Libraries Returning to Service and COVID-19. This short guide features four sections:
- Protect Your Employees and Volunteers
- Deep Clean Your Library
- Handle Materials Safely
- Variables Out of Your Control
As you prepare to reopen your library: A webinar on health and mental health issues| Recording
The Colorado State Library and Ready Teams partnered to provide a webinar for Colorado library staff as they begin planning for re-opening libraries across the state. Representatives from a variety of health, mental health, and library agencies will shared their perspectives on how organizations can support library staff and their patrons as they reopen.
Mitigating COVID-19 When Managing Paper-Based, Circulating, and Other Types of Collections | Recording
Centers for Disease Control staff present an overview of the CDC’s guidance for community settings and environmental disinfection, and a discussion of how libraries, archives, and museums can help mitigate COVID-19 when working with paper-based, circulating, and other types of collections.
Pick ‘n’ Mix
Adults are invited to join Mesa County Libraries for a virtual presentation on Avoiding Coronavirus Fraud and Scam on May 14 at 6:00. Learn about which scams and instances of fraud are being reported to the Colorado Attorney General’s office and which scams are likely to surface in the coming months.
Clear Creek County Library District is hosting a second round of their Digital Scavenger Hunt! CCCLD’s website is a treasure trove of information and resources just waiting for you to explore. Submit the completed tasks for the appropriate age category by May 31 and be entered to win a prize!
Eagle Valley Library District invites kiddos to share videos and photos of the awesome things they made this school year for the Virtual Genius Hour Showcase on May 20 at 3:00 pm. Simply share your photos or videos on the EVLD Facebook and across social media using the hashtag #EVLDGeniusHour for inclusion.
Museums and Libraries in the News
Boulder Library Foundation launches fund to aid furloughed librarians | Colorado Daily
The Boulder Library Foundation has launched a local “Help A Library Worker Out” fund, or HALO fund to help furloughed library employees with expenses.
Aurora Librarians Using Library’s Sewing Labs To Make Masks | 4 CBS Denver
Some Aurora Public Library librarians are using the library’s sewing lab to make masks to donate to first responders.
Denver Cultural Institutions Want to Know When You’d Return | Westword
Denver’s cultural organizations are banding together to determine when the public would be willing to return to the city’s institutions.
Museums’ appeal: Help history | Montrose Daily Press
The Museum of the Mountain West is making public appeals for donations to stay afloat during the pandemic.
Grant & Funding Opportunities
NextFifty Initiative: Funds for Organizations Improving the Lives of Colorado’s Seniors
NextFifty Initiative is dedicated to funding mission-driven, innovative programs that improve community services for those age 50 and older, including adults with disabilities, and their caretakers. The upcoming General Funding grant cycle will be open from June 15 to July 31, 2020. (NextFifty is also currently offering support through the Census 2020 Outreach Fund and the COVID-19 Response Fund. Applications for both of these funds will be reviewed on a rolling basis.)
Big Lots Foundation: Support for Youth and Family Programs in Company Communities in 47 States
The Big Lots Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that improve the lives of families and children in the communities the company serves throughout the United States (with the exception of AK, HI, and SD). The Foundation’s areas of interest include hunger, housing, healthcare, and education. Requests are reviewed two times per year; the upcoming application deadline is July 1, 2020.
Learning For All
Maximizing and Measuring Virtual Programs | May 13 @ 12:00 pm MDT
As libraries are expanding their online efforts in response to COVID-19, the design and outcomes should also shift in order to build the strongest and most impactful programs. This webinar is designed to help libraries develop targeted outcomes to use when designing online programs to maximize the learning opportunities and measure their value.
How to Be a Webinar Superstar! | May 20 @ 12:00 pm MDT
Find yourself working remotely these days? Or perhaps you already do work remotely but are looking for a way to amp up your online delivery game? In this engaging session, Dr. Steve Yacovelli will share his best practices for both creating and delivering stellar online meeting content.
What’s New at the Colorado State Library
Learning Opportunities
Register now for Successful Supervision!
Supervisors, would you like to improve productivity and workplace relationships, and grow your skills? Register now for one of two sessions of Successful Supervision (online edition). Each cohort will meet online 4 times, with assignments in between sessions
- Cohort I: June 1, 8, 15 & 22 from 1:00- 2:30 pm
- Cohort II: June 2, 9, 16, & 23 from 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Library Research Service
Do the Data Have an Alibi?
LRS has some questions to ask when investigating the credibility of data, verifying sources, and checking for bias.
State Publications Blog
Colorado Virtual Library
Youth Services Meetings, Week of May 11th
Connect with colleagues from around the state to discuss timely topics, exchange ideas, share frustrations, and celebrate successes.
Teaching Online with Primary Sources Webinar Series
The Teaching with Primary Sources Western Region and the TPS Teachers Network at the Metropolitan State University of Denver are hosting a series of professional development webinars through May 14th.
Restoration of Library Services: Resources for Decision Makers
We’ve rounded up a list of resources related to the restoration of library services may be useful to library administrators and other decision makers.
Get To Know CSL: Katie Fox on Library Research, Education, and Creativity
This installment of #GetToKnowCSL features LRS Research Analyst Katie Fox. Find out what makes her tick and learn more about her work supporting libraries and library staff in their research and evaluation endeavors.
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
- Technology and Innovation Manager: Garfield County Libraries / Rifle, CO
- Library Collections Manager: Garfield County Libraries / Rifle, CO
- Youth Services Coordinator: Buena Vista Public Library / Buena Vista, CO
- Staff Trainer: Garfield County Libraries / Rifle, CO
- Linux System Administrator: ByWater Solutions (Telecommute position)
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.
- Friday Grab Bag, December 17, 2021 - December 17, 2021
- Friday Grab Bag, December 10, 2021 - December 10, 2021
- Save the Date – Successful Supervision 2022! - December 10, 2021