We have received many questions regarding best practices when conducting virtual storytimes. While we cannot provide legal advice, we have curated a few virtual storytime resources for libraries’ ease of access.
Getting Started with Virtual Storytimes (WebJunction): An archived webinar presented by Renee Grassi, Youth Services Manager, Dakota County Library (MN)
Jbrary: Storytime Online Resources: Created by Lindsey Krabbenhoft and Dana Horrocks, two children’s librarians, this site features YouTube playlists and a compilation of online storytime resources.
Online StoryTime & Coronavirus (Programming Librarian): This post from the Programming Librarian was posted by ALA’s Public Program’s Office. This should not be taken as legal advice, but may offer one perspective.
Public Libraries Accreditation and Statistics: This page from the Texas State Library will offer up to date information on accreditation and statistics.
School Library Journal’s COVID-19 Publisher Information Directory: This resource outlines permissions granted during COVID-19 by publisher; please check dates of availability in the listing, as they are updated periodically.
Virtual Storytime and Copyright: Resources: A blog post from the Texas State Library on copyright resources regarding virtual storytime.
Virtual Storytime Resources Guide (Association for LIbrary Services to Children): This guide was developed by the Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL), the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), and others.
Program Statistics for the Texas Public Libraries Annual Report
Definition of Library Program: A program is any planned event which introduces the group attending to any of the activities or which directly provides information to participants. Programs may cover use of the library, library services, or library tours. Programs may also provide cultural, recreational, or educational information, often designed to meet a specific social need. Examples of these types of programs include film showings, lectures, story hours, literacy, English as a second language, citizenship classes, and book discussions.
Counting Programs and Attendance: Live virtual programming that meets the definition of programs can be reported in total number of library programs, number of children’s programs, number of young adult programs and number of adult programs; as well as related total. For attendance, report unique or peak views.
If you have other questions about how or what to report, contact State Data Coordinator Valicia Greenwood at accreditation@tsl.texas.gov.
