Virtual Programming Resource Round-up

Jun 10, 2020

Hannah Arata, ALA Public Programs Office

Libraries have reported a significant increase in their virtual programming since the COVID-19 outbreak began. Since libraries across the country started closing in March 2020, a remarkable amount of resources have been produced to help librarians create and sustain their virtual programs during and after the pandemic. Here are some highlights.

Do you have any other resources that are not listed below? Please share them in the comments or email us at programminglibrarian@ala.org.

Photo of open laptop and note pad of notes. — We compiled a list of some of the best virtual programming resources from across the library field.

Webinars

“Twitch & Discord in Public Libraries: New Opportunities for Adult Services,” Texas State Library and Archives Commission, May 30, 2020
“Virtual Programs for Preschoolers: How to Encourage Wellness, Movement & Creativity,” National Network of Libraries of Medicine, May 18, 2020
“Maximizing and Measuring Virtual Programs,” Public Library Association, May 13, 2020
“Virtual Platform Possibilities – Providing Digital Skilling Resources for Patrons,” Public Library Association, April 30, 2020
“Phone-a-Story – Simple Fun One Call Away!” Colorado Virtual Library, April 23, 2020
“Planning and Promoting Your Library’s Online Events,” BiblioCommons, April 23, 2020
“Youth Services Webinar: Remote/Virtual Programming For Libraries,” Vermont Libraries, April 3, 2020
“Create a Virtual Escape Room,” Peters Township Public Library, March 25, 2020
“Getting Started with Virtual Story Times”, Webjunction, June 16, 2020

Articles on virtual programming

“Pandemic Forces Programs to Move Online," American Libraries, June 1, 2020
“Programming Through the Pandemic," Library Journal, May 22, 2020
“Virtual Book Clubs: A Learning Experience,” Programming Librarian, May 19, 2020
“Summer Reading Switcheroos," American Libraries, May 4, 2020
“Tried-and-True Online Tools for School Library Programming," Programming Librarian, April 23, 2020
“From A to Z(oombombings): Risks and Rewards of Online Lectures," Programming Librarian, April 20, 2020
“Digital Escape Rooms and Other Online Programming,"American Libraries, March 31, 2020
“Online Story Time & Coronavirus: It’s Fair Use, Folks," Programming Librarian, March 24, 2020
“Leading Digital Escape Rooms Online during COVID-19," Knowledge Quest: Journal of the American Association of School Librarians, April 21, 2020

Program Models from Programming Librarian