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