Programming

Planning

• Which audiences and programs are priorities for your library at this time?
• What do our communities need in a time of pandemic, and can we create or adapt programs to address those needs?
• What is the optimal balance between digital programming, in-person programming and outreach? What mix of program models or approaches makes the best use of resources to meet community needs?
• Should all programs require registration, to ensure we are able to assist with contact tracing if necessary?
• What should the timeline look like (flexible, staged approach)?
• What changes need to be made to program policies or procedures to reflect the above?

Communications

• How will you communicate new expectations to program participants?
• How will you respond if staff or patrons test positive for COVID-19?
• How will you inform the public of safety measures we are taking?
• What strategies will you use to communicate with the public and promote programs to diverse audiences, including those who are not online?
• How will you re-engage patrons and continue to engage with new patrons in a time of service limitations?

Physical Distancing Measures

• What is the effective occupancy of program rooms or spaces given physical distancing guidelines (note, a distance of 2m on all sides of a person creates a circle with an area of 12.56 square metres)?
• Can programs be held in open or outdoor spaces?
• Based on the answers to the above, how many participants can be safely included in an in-person program?
• Can children be realistically expected to observe physical distancing guidelines?
• Can programs that normally require close contact – for example, one-on-one technology help – be effectively adapted to follow physical distancing guidelines?
• Can programs that normally involve physical activity be effectively adapted to follow physical distancing guidelines?

Safety Precautions

• How do you ensure the health and safety of staff, patrons, volunteers, partners, and external presenters?
• What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be required for staff, volunteers, external presenters and patrons?
• What shared objects are typically used in a program (for example, toys, games, craft supplies / tools, technology)? Can those be effectively sanitized for safe use, or can the program be adapted to work without them?
• For programs that normally include snacks, is there a safe way to provide these or can the program be adapted to work without them?
• For digital programs, how do you ensure patrons’ safety and privacy while using a variety of technology tools?

Staff Support

• What training will staff need with respect to health and safety measures?
• What training will staff need to support them with new models of programming?
• How can you best support staff working with the public in a time of high anxiety?

Community Support

• How do you make programs feel safe, welcoming and inclusive?
• How do you best reach and support vulnerable or underserved audiences?
• How do you best reach and support Indigenous communities?
• How can you reduce or remove barriers to participation?
• Can digital programming content be shared with other libraries locally, provincially or nationally?
• How can you best work with community partners?

Operations

• Which new program models should be retained as libraries reopen?
• How will staffing models and staff roles be affected by the above questions?