Also, TechSoup's new COVID resources, how to register all your branches on TechSoup, our free webinar on digital inclusion, and your library tech newsbytes for May.
This month, libraries are still operating largely remotely. We offer you a piece by Nick Dean on what comes next for libraries. Also check out TechSoup's new COVID resources and of course our astonishing newsbytes for May.
Also, we now have some great speakers lined up for the free Library 2.0 Small, Rural and Independent Libraries Conference that will be held online Wednesday, June 17, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Pacific time. Catch Crosby Kemper III, the new director of IMLS, who will tell us all about the $50 million grant program from the new CARES Act. Stephanie Gerding will talk about the other grants available for small libraries. Also Washington State Librarian Cindy Aden will present on what's new in e-books. Register for this free event here.
Since the coronavirus pandemic hit, we've been collecting and writing about what we hope is a useful array of information and resources for you. Here's an at-a-glance look at what's available on our COVID-19 Resource Page.
With so many library buildings still closed, but online services booming, there is so much going on in libraryland! This month we bring you news on a new PLA grant program for rural libraries to improve Wi-Fi, EveryLibrary Institute’s Help a Library Worker Out Fund, free Library Journal digital content, and Brian X. Chen's declaration that the iPad is officially the gadget of the pandemic. We also ponder why New York Public Library is considering quarantining books when they reopen. Yikes.
Fun Resource of the Month: How to Register All Your Branches on TechSoup
If you'd like to maximize the number of TechSoup donations and discounts your library can get, the trick is to register each of your library branches with us. It's really easy. Just contact us at mmd [at] techsoup [dot] org, and our representative will help you get going.
Otter.ai is a super useful and affordable tool for online (and in-person) meetings that you may not have heard of yet. It is an automated recording and transcription service so you can record meetings in real time and send out meeting notes to anyone you like.
To make things easier, Otter.ai integrates well with Zoom. Users with an Otter for Teams account can get a secure, live interactive transcript directly from a Zoom video conference using their new app called Otter.ai Live Video Meeting Notes. The Otter app can be accessed through a web browser or through mobile apps for iOS or Android. Otter for Teams is available to public library members of TechSoup for $39 for a one-year subscription.
With so many services and events having moved online, it's hard for lots of patrons to take advantage of them. Around 60 million Americans currently lack access to the Internet. The recent fast transition to online services disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities. In particular, communities of color, individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and many others, may not have access to the Internet and devices they need to reach your programs.
In this webinar led by digital inclusion expert Debra Ruh, we will explore ways that we can continue to support a distributed and diverse community. From video conference meetings and telework best practices, to tips on connecting with constituents and donors on accessible live events and videos, this webinar will touch on tools and tactics to ensure that your approach is equitable and thoughtful. We will also cover traditional ways (text messaging, snail mail, etc.) to remain connected to your community. Read more.
Missed any of our most popular webinars? No problem. They're all recorded and available to watch for free on demand. Check out all our archived webinars at https://www.techsoup.org/community/events-webinars.