Virtual Storytimes

Rebecca Ogle began her career as a content writer and digital marketer, before pursuing her passion for library services. Before COVID-19, she focused her outreach efforts on inclusivity and accessibility to literacy programs and resources for low-income and unhoused families. When Phoenix Public Libraries closed to the public, the Early Literacy Outreach Team (ELOT) sprang into action researching and developing a wide range of virtual programs, both pre-recorded and live. Rebecca and her ELOT colleagues earned a Service Excellence Award from the City of Phoenix for their creativity and efficacy adapting library programs for online patrons. While every member of ELOT, and a number of Phoenix Public Library branch staff, brought their own strengths to virtual storytimes, Rebecca discovered a particular knack for engaging audiences in her low-key, soothing style. She is passionate about equity, inclusivity, and access to library resources, and believes virtual storytimes can truly make a difference in every community.

Preface Chapter 1: Choosing A Virtual Format Identifying audiences and developing goals Synchronous versus asynchronous storytimes Exploration of virtual formats Chapter 2: Technological Considerations Hardware requirements and recommendations for library staff and patrons Accessibility best practices Web conferencing software features Image, presentation, and video software features File storage and organization Chapter 3: Legal Issues Privacy Laws Storytime and Fair Use Public domain and original content Creative Commons and attribution Copyright and permissions Avoiding issues with copyright algorithms Chapter 4: Planning and Preparation Planning: Now With More Technology Production quality tips Planning interactive virtual storytimes Book and media selection Preparing outlines and scripts Chapter 5: Showtime Strategies for common challenges Best practices during synchronous storytimes Best practices for recording Finishing touches in editing Chapter 6: Engaging Staff Key competencies for virtual storytime staff Screen time and media mentorship Training for virtual storytime Avoiding and addressing staff burnout Chapter 7: Outreach and Promotion Creating meaningful partnerships The marketing funnel Digital marketing best practices Social media engagement methods Appendix A: Software and Websites for Content Creators Appendix B: Case Study: Read With Us TV Series Appendix C: Case Study: Daniel Tiger Storytime on Facebook Live Appendix D: Sample Outline, Script, and Reflection