Where this started...​New England Library Association 2012

This site grew out of a table-talk discussion at the NELA  2012 annual conference. When I proposed the topic I wasn't sure if anyone would come. It does seem to be a squishy subject. When we started talking however, it became clear that it was a topic that, onion-like, covered territory that could separately be categorized under, public service, disability, disaster planning, staff training, way-finding, environmental planning and human relations on many levels.

Libraries are unique environments that share characteristics with other types of organizations, like churches-- they welcome all and are essentially free, but like retail business-- they strive to attract customers, share their services and products, like a living room-- they strive to be a place where the community can come and meet with friends, get educated, entertained and involved. They serve everybody. Quite a tall order. Libraries are also a place where vulnerable people come for information, solace, company and a non-judgmental ear. Sometimes that can be the most challenging part of the job.

This site is an attempt to capture some of the topics that came up and some shared thoughts about solutions. Let's continue the conversation and share resources to further this way of being. Everyone is welcome to participate. Just drop me a line.

Mare

In March of 2020 Covid-19 was declared a pandemic disease affecting the entire world. At different points different countries were considered hot spots. The United States is one of them. At this moment over 190000 people have died in the US alone--all in the space of 6 months. Libraries, like everything else, were shut down to try and stem the flood of cases and not overwhelm the medical facilities. Now in August states have been re-opening   encouraged by the government. Schools are trying to figure out how to re-open with children in the classroom. Social distancing and wearing masks has become more arbitrary with potentially tragic consequences. Libraries are in the middle of this and not with controversy around whether they are essential services or not.