Additional COVID-19 Resources from ALSC

The Association for Library Services to Children just sent their membership the following email. It has some great resources to tap as you navigate the next few days and weeks.

Dear ALSC Members and Friends,

The ALSC staff and board would like you to know that we are thinking of all you as you work in your libraries, schools, and communities.  Children, families and caregivers look to you in your role as knowledge dispensers, not keepers, for up-to-date information about how to deal with many challenges intheir lives, not just the COVID-19 outbreak.  You have personal connections to millions of library users and I want to thank you for your tireless work each and every day in helping make their lives better through information, connection and services.

ALA and ALSC is monitoring the development of the virus in regard to programs and will keep members updated on how upcoming activities and events may be affected. For instance, the stakeholders involved in planning the 2020 Arbuthnot Lecture in Sacramento, California on May 8, 2020, are monitoring the situation and will keep members informed on the Arbuthnot website. 

Below you will see that ALA has created a pandemic preparedness web page to assist libraries and will provide frequent communication to members.

I’d like to encourage members to engage in conversation on the blog and continue on ALSC-L, ALA Connect, and social channels on what strategies your library is taking in dealing with this challenge.  Please help ALSC members in sharing your thoughts on the following questions.

• How does your library handle cleaning and collection care?  Is it different now?

• Do you have a policy in place for cleaning?

• What is your library’s policy or protocol for managing large events and programs, particularly during times of potential health outbreaks?

• Has your library cancelled all programming?

• Are you offering programs in another way, such as an online platform to connect with children, families and caregivers during this time?

Here are several resources that might be useful in your work with the public:

Talking to Children About COVID-19: A Parent Resource from the National Association of School Psychologists

Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus from NPR

Pandemic Preparedness from ALA

Resources for K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Thank you for the work you do and for continuing to serve the public no matter where they are.

Sincerely,
Cecilia
Cecilia P. McGowan, ALSC President, 2019-2020