Reference, Instruction, and Outreach (RIO)

This meeting was conducted with Zoom.

It’s been 6 months since libraries have had to embrace online programming using platforms like Zoom, YouTube, Facebook Live, and Google Meet. For this RIO meeting we discussed and shared our successes and failures of online programming. We discussed what types of programs have transitioned well for our libraries, as well as platforms or tools that were recommended as well as tips for moving programs online.

Albany Public Library reported success with online story times, and that virtual book discussion programs have been more successful than the in-person (pre-pandemic) programs. Less success was reported by academics for virtual therapy dog sessions and voter registration programs. Success with phone tech consults, one on one online reference sessions, online staff meetings and use of tools such as Slack and Jamboard. were also mentioned.

There was discussion of Asynchronous/Not Live Programming vs. Synchronous/Live Programming and tools for each such as Google forms for the former and breakout rooms for the later.

Please see Resources page of this LibGuide for all the links provided by the meeting participants.