Business Resumption and Re-Imagination of Public Library Services Post COVID-19
April 16, 2020
The Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC) this week announced the creation of a Think Tank to prepare recommendations to support public libraries in their efforts to develop recovery plans and redesigned service delivery post COVID19.
CULC Think Tank on Recovery and Reimagined Library Services Post COVID-19
Background
Full return to pre-COVID-19 conditions is not expected until after development and implementation of a vaccine for the virus – up to 12 to 18 months from now. (Justin Trudeau’s address on April 10, 2020)
Timing of public libraries’ recovery will be dependent on many factors, including health orders and restrictions mandated by provinces and municipalities
Recovery of public library operations and service delivery will be an opportunity to reimagine service delivery with the conditions of continued physical distancing measures and more stringent disinfectant and sanitization processes.
Terms of Reference
1. A think tank consisting of eight CULC/CBUC members, a representative from LAC and potentially other stakeholders will convene to brainstorm and document factors, considerations, risks and opportunities that need to be applied in the post-COVID-19 world.
2. The think tank group will
a. Conduct an environmental scan to inform recommendations.
b. A representative of this think tank group may also liaise with ULC to benefit from their exploration and investigation into this issue and incorporate any ideas into the report developed.
c. Potentially convene sub-groups to support research and report writing of the think tank
d. Develop a report with recommendations to support public libraries in their efforts to develop recovery plans and redesigned service delivery post COVID19.
3. Timelines will be mid-April to May 21 and include presenting a draft report to CULC/CBUC Executive, and the final report to the CULC/CBUC membership for May 21 (Proposed date of CULC/CBUC AGM).
Team Operations
1. A call for members will be solicited on the CULC/CBUC listserv. Names submitted by Friday, April 18th @ noon.
2. Time Commitment. Given quick turnaround in order to meet the needs of CULC members in planning for their recovery, the group will plan to have two Calls/Conferences per week starting next week. Members will work on best times once appointed. Between meetings, it is anticipated that members will be conducting research, and writing the report, so time commitment is expected to be quite high.
3. The CULC/CBUC Executive will finalize the membership of this ad hoc think tank group and select a chair from those who put their names forward. All will be involved through sub-groups as the work develops.
4. The ad hoc think tank team will report to the CULC/CBUC Executive and provide biweekly updates on the team’s progress. Asa Kachen, Halifax Public Library, will serve as Executive Liaison.
2 replies on “Business Resumption and Re-Imagination of Public Library Services Post COVID-19”
Please consider the special needs of rural library service.
I second the request to consider the rural experience, even though this is beyond the typical CULC mandate. The issue of insufficient access to reliable and affordable internet is of particular concern – and this would also impact many urban residents with limited incomes/resources.