Virtual Summer Reading 2021

Summer Reading Virtual Once More

So, for most of us, summer reading 2021 will be virtual once more. For some, it meant outsourcing virtual programming, with others flipping coins to see who’d go in front of the green screen. But overall, this is the future of public library programming. Need some help? Read on, fellow green screeners!

Best Practices

Understand that best practices are still being established, and represents an evolving skillset.  We are understanding the platforms and their capabilities as we go along.  When it comes to producing content, though, many standard best practices for streaming and broadcast apply. 

TWITCH	DISCORD
Appears to be a combo of equipment and broadcast practices broadly applicable to streaming in general: Streamer and moderator best practices Consistency with schedule Marketing and promo Equipment and software	It’s a communication tool, not a vault Organization is key Library specific recommendation is to connect with local servers to promote programs Don’t @everyone Keep posting, keep it active Create a welcoming environment

Platforms 

Discord; Discord Nitro – great for teen programming online (Apple and Android compatible apps avail). 

Pros and Cons:

• Groups are limited to up to 10 users at a time 
• Can also be used as an effective tool for professional communication or communication within a library.  Set up servers for staff on certain projects or depts.; use for interdepartmental communication 
• Gives you the ability to make a server that you can invite participants to 
• Within the server, the creator can assign people roles and create limits and boundaries 
• Create text and voice chat channels 
• Quick, informal conversation organized into text channels 
• Enables small group voice chat 
• Ideal for small-group discussion 
• Originally created by gamers so they could chat while playing team games 
• Text-based sharing 
• More privacy than many other social media platforms 
• Program ideas include role-playing games and digital escape rooms 
• Teen advisory council meetings 
• Teen writer’s workshop 
• MST3K-type programming: play a B-movie and heckle it in realtime 

Public Libraries using Discord:

• Elmwood Park Public Library 
• Baltimore County Public Library 
• Monroe County Public Library 
• Lawrence Public Library 
• Crafton Public Library 
• Geneva Public Library 
• Burke County Public Library 

Twitch

• Livestreaming platform 
• Allows audience to interact with the stream host via live chat 
• Over half of Twitch users are aged 24 and up 
• Great for gaming, e-sports, online workshops, art programs, book clubs and guest speakers 
• Not just a performance space – allows for interaction with the performer 
• Can be used for language learning, lectures, coding demos, and even office hours 

More Platforms!

• Facebook Live 
• Instagram 
• Instagram Stories 
• Zoom 
• GoToMeeting 
• YouTube 

Evaluation & Suggestion of Equipment

Twitch: 

• Minimum requirements: broadband internet access, computer or device with integrated webcam and microphone 
• More elaborate setups can include extra webcams, a microphone, lights and more 
• Basic Twitch Studio (does not need encoder) or for more elaborate layouts an encoder such as OBS 
• Mobile app with streaming capability available for smartphones 

Discord: 

• Computer with video or microphone.  Or smartphone 

Direction for local and or System-wide Programming

Local programming: 

• Share cultural heritage information 
• Online art gallery; could also be for a curated/juried show with themes 

• Online Dungeons & Dragons or other role-playing game 

• Craft instructions, crafting videos, or crafting ideas 
• Crafting or experiments using household objects 
• Online craft hangout – patrons knit, crochet, quilt, etc, while socializing online 
• Online trivia nights – Kahoot can be utilized to create/host live trivia nights 

• Record DIY programs from your kitchen
• Greener cleaners 
• Natural deodorants 
• Cooking 

• Flower arranging 

• Organize an online poetry reading, open mic or poetry slam 

• Preschool, toddler and hora de cuento en familia (historieta) storytimes 

• Yoga; all ages yoga 
• Reiki 
• Life coaching – tips, tricks, how to survive the holidays 

• Live readers advisory – all ages 

• Highlight digital collections (Hoopla, Overdrive) 
• Online reading challenge group(s) – tip: explore new genres and authors each month 
• Virtual painting (guided) class 

• Local musicians perform live (ideally on Twitch) 
• Ask museums/galleries/artists studios to give virtual tours.  Many have different shows regularly, so these can be done again and again 
• NANOWRIMO 
• Instagram Stories: poem of the day 
• Virtual author chats 

• Cabin fever cos-play: a lo-fi, DIY book character costume party 
• Video series on digital comics 
• Bizarre stories from local history 
• Geneaology 
• Bedtime stories
• Beginner ASL 
• STEM activities 

• Teens can do community service hours by creating TikTok challenge videos that the library gets tagged with, such as household chores 
• Adult TikTok challenges, demonstrating for example how to do things around the house; tag the library 
• Twitch/Discord are great for e-sport competitions 

Podcasting: 

• Short stories 
• Reader’s theatre 
• Chapter book read-aloud 
• Book talks for all ages
• Teen reviews of new media 

Specifically system-wide: 

• Virtual counseling session with a college and local pediatrician(s), MDs concerning COVID or other topics 
• Mayoral candidate debates 
• Synchronous online book clubs – think also for events, such as Big Read, or mirroring Reese Witherspoon’s or Oprah’s book clubs 
• Recruit local businesses or community members to create DIY videos for the library 
• Ask local organizations to co-host a webinar/online event on important community topics 
• Celebrate poetry month online 
• Discussion leader posts a question that people respond to online via Facebook, or other social media platform(s) 
• Pinterest page highlighting patrons submitted photos of creative projects 
• Virtual reference and or call center 
• Google Chat can be used to coordinate answering questions posed by viewers 
• Post about your state poet laureate 
• Brief YouTube tutorials highlighting e-resources 
• Technology classes 
• Workforce readiness classes 
• Writing cover letters, resumes 
• Job searching 
• Online job applications 
• Practice interviews