Focus on Passive Reader's Advisory To Build Patron Engagement https://www.libraryunicorn.net/post/focus-on-passive-reader-s-advisory-to-build-patron-engagement "Libraries are known for in-person Reader's Advisory (RA) services. However, librarians and library workers worldwide are dealing with extraordinary "other duties as assigned". These duties include retrofitting libraries to keep staff and patrons safe from Covid-19, creating new service delivery models, and managing budget changes; all...

Report: “Library Return on Investment: Reviewing the Evidence From the Last 10 Years” https://www.infodocket.com/2020/07/17/report-library-return-on-investment-reviewing-the-evidence-from-the-last-10-years/ Via Gary Price at LJ InfoDocket "Introduction  and link “Library Return on Investment – Review of Evidence from the Last 10 Years” report by the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). From an Introductory Blog Post: Over the last few decades, libraries have been exploring...

For those libraries that have larger rooms or a theatre with fixed seating that they'd like to re-open . . . I thought there were the germs of a few good ideas here: One Victoria Theatre reopened. It’s still in its temporary small space: with COVID-19 restrictions seating is reduced to 40 maximum. In a reversal of Academy Awards seat-fillers it’s the stars who fill some of the seats to ensure we mortals are correctly spaced. Brainstorming with your staff could be fun on Zoom.  Perhaps you just...

COVID-19 Update Government of Canada actions on COVID-19 July 17, 2020 Good Evening, Today, Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced details of the government’s plan to revamp and extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), plus a one-time support payment for those living with disabilities. Revamped Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy The CEWS was the centrepiece of the government’s recent economic and fiscal snapshot, committing $50 billion in new funding to the program which has cost $32...

  Invitation from Minister MacLeod to Presentation by IPSOS CEO Darrell Bricker July 21, 2020 (Zoom) From the Minister's Office: Good Afternoon, Further to the briefing re: Ipsos polling that was held earlier this week for members of the MHSTCI Ministerial Advisory Councils a second, similar, briefing is being set up for July 21, 2020. Please forward the ZOOM information below to those in your organization/company/association that may be interested in joining on July 21. The briefing will...

July 17, 2020 MW SHARES: MUNICIPAL PANDEMIC RESPONSE  Economic restart on horizon! Jody Johnson, Director of Legal Services for Halton Region, joins Municipal World CEO Susan Gardner to discuss this week’s critical Government of Canada funding announcement, Ontario in stage 3, travel manners, and the Quebec Ombudsman’s support for provincial mask mandate. LISTEN...

Some of our FOPL members are asking about Contact Tracing.  An App has not been launched in Ontario yet (although Alberta has).  This can be a complicated research and library policy question which likely requires a professional legal opinion. We, here at FOPL, are not lawyers so can't provide legal advice. That said, Public Libraries are not formally required to collect user information in Stage 3 for contact tracing.  However, it can't hurt to be aware of (and prepared) for what may happen. ...

FAQ on Stage 3 Reopening for Ontario Public Libraries  A lot has to happen in the background to keep our staff and residents safe in our spaces while serving their needs. We know Ontario’s Library Boards and CEO/Management Teams are working diligently on these staged re-openings.  The intent of this document is to provide clarification on the guidance we have sought and received from the Ontario Government specifically on the issues affecting Public Libraries.  We (FOPL, OLA, SOLS, OLS-North)...

Health and Safety Guidance During COVID-19 For Library Employers Ontario Public Services Health & Safety Association https://www.pshsa.ca/resources/health-and-safety-guidance-during-covid-19-for-library-employer OVERVIEW During the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, we all need to do our part to keep workers, students and the public safe and healthy so we can stop the spread and prepare to reopen the province, when we are ready. View all sector guidance: https://www.pshsa.ca/covid-19...

COVID-19 Update Government of Canada actions on COVID-19 July 16, 2020 Good Evening, Prime Minister Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Freeland announced a $19 billion “Safe Restart” plan this afternoon, targeted at the provinces, territories and municipalities. This spending package comes on the heels of several weeks of negotiations, providing $5 billion more than initially announced. This funding is intended to be spent on a variety of needs that all levels of government have highlighted as...