MBLC Service Update
June 10, 2020
Past Updates
April 1, 2020
April 8, 2020
April 15, 2020
April 22, 2020
April 29, 2020
May 6, 2020
May 13, 2020
May 27, 2020
June 3, 2020
As we work together to get through the current reality, the MBLC will provide regular updates on MBLC services and other statewide issues. Please let us know if there’s info you’d like us to cover—we’ll include it if we are able. Stay well.
State Reopening Advisory Board
Contact: Maura Deedy, Rob Favini (MBLC)
Sarah Sogigian, Terry McQuown (MLS)
Phase 2, Step 1
Governor Baker released Phase 2 Step 1 reopening guidance effective June 8, 2020. In it the state provides safety standards, recommended best practices and checklists for libraries. It is important to emphasize that the Governor’s announcement does not require libraries to open or provide specific services on specific dates. The guidance allows libraries to open and provide services if they meet the state’s safety protocols. Any decision to open should be made on a library-by-library basis in with consultation local municipal leaders. The MBLC recommends that libraries only open when they are able to ensure the safety of their staff and community served.
Contact: Maura Deedy, Rob Favini (MBLC)
Sarah Sogigian, Terry McQuown (MLS)
Phase 2, Step 1
Governor Baker released Phase 2 Step 1 reopening guidance effective June 8, 2020. In it the state provides safety standards, recommended best practices and checklists for libraries. It is important to emphasize that the Governor’s announcement does not require libraries to open or provide specific services on specific dates. The guidance allows libraries to open and provide services if they meet the state’s safety protocols. Any decision to open should be made on a library-by-library basis in with consultation local municipal leaders. The MBLC recommends that libraries only open when they are able to ensure the safety of their staff and community served.
The Governor’s Safety Standards and Check List for libraries can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-libraries; a downloadable version can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/sector-specific-workplace-safety-standards-phase-ii-for-libraries-to-address-covid-19/download
Challenges Massachusetts Libraries Face Resuming Full Services
Last week Rob Favini spoke with WGBH’s Arun Rath on the many challenges facing libraries working to reopen buildings on the way to resuming full services. You can hear the interview on the WGBH In It Together web site here: https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2020/06/03/in-it-together-6-3-2020
Last week Rob Favini spoke with WGBH’s Arun Rath on the many challenges facing libraries working to reopen buildings on the way to resuming full services. You can hear the interview on the WGBH In It Together web site here: https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2020/06/03/in-it-together-6-3-2020
State Aid- Reopening survey
Contact: Liz Babbitt
In light of the Governor’s phased re-opening plan, please update the COVID19 reopening survey via the new LibWizard form This will be shared with the library community in a Google spreadsheet titled “COVID19: Re-opening Public Libraries Survey”.
We understand that COVID19 will continue to be a serious threat to public health and that your plans may change as the situation evolves so we will NOT be creating a version of this survey for the public UNTIL libraries have started opening.
You can still update the original COVID19 Closure form via this LibWizard link: https://mblc.libwizard.com/f/covid-19 . I’ll continue to update that Google sheet for the next few weeks.
Contact: Liz Babbitt
In light of the Governor’s phased re-opening plan, please update the COVID19 reopening survey via the new LibWizard form This will be shared with the library community in a Google spreadsheet titled “COVID19: Re-opening Public Libraries Survey”.
We understand that COVID19 will continue to be a serious threat to public health and that your plans may change as the situation evolves so we will NOT be creating a version of this survey for the public UNTIL libraries have started opening.
You can still update the original COVID19 Closure form via this LibWizard link: https://mblc.libwizard.com/f/covid-19 . I’ll continue to update that Google sheet for the next few weeks.
CARES ACT Grants
Contact: Lyndsay Forbes
The application for Virtual Programming for Distance Learning is now open! Applications due June 19
This grant opportunity is one way the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is using CARES Act funding. Libraries may use Virtual Programming for Distance Learning grants to support increased public access to library virtual programs. Programming for all ages should be considered. Libraries are strongly encouraged to work with local museums and local cultural institutions to enhance virtual programming.
Any library that is a member of MLS can apply. Public libraries must be certified in state aid. These are the only eligibility requirements for this grant. Libraries may apply for funding between $1000-$3500. Applications are due June 19, 2020. We anticipate notifying libraries of their award status in early July. Funds must be spent by September 30, 2021. Grant funds can only pay for costs incurred after a signed contract. We cannot reimburse for earlier expenses.
Contact Lyndsay with any questions.
BEANSTACK through CARES Act
There are currently 127 libraries benefitting from the summer software grant, originally funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services for 56 libraries, and expanded through CARES Act funds to include 71 more libraries.
Contact: Lyndsay Forbes
The application for Virtual Programming for Distance Learning is now open! Applications due June 19
This grant opportunity is one way the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is using CARES Act funding. Libraries may use Virtual Programming for Distance Learning grants to support increased public access to library virtual programs. Programming for all ages should be considered. Libraries are strongly encouraged to work with local museums and local cultural institutions to enhance virtual programming.
Any library that is a member of MLS can apply. Public libraries must be certified in state aid. These are the only eligibility requirements for this grant. Libraries may apply for funding between $1000-$3500. Applications are due June 19, 2020. We anticipate notifying libraries of their award status in early July. Funds must be spent by September 30, 2021. Grant funds can only pay for costs incurred after a signed contract. We cannot reimburse for earlier expenses.
Contact Lyndsay with any questions.
BEANSTACK through CARES Act
There are currently 127 libraries benefitting from the summer software grant, originally funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services for 56 libraries, and expanded through CARES Act funds to include 71 more libraries.
Construction-The Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP)
Contact: Lauren Stara
Andrea Bunker
Contact: Lauren Stara
Andrea Bunker
Chair Ochsenbein and Director Lonergan submitted written testimony for a hearing of the Senate Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets Committee that was held on June 4, 2020. While the House bill currently includes $115 million for the MPLCP, they asked for the full legislative agenda request of $250 million from the Senate Bonding Committee. The MBLC continues to monitor this bond bill (H4708).
Given the current crisis and the economic difficulty that many communities are experiencing, the MBLC construction team is discussing how to handle grant awards in FY21.
Given the current crisis and the economic difficulty that many communities are experiencing, the MBLC construction team is discussing how to handle grant awards in FY21.
Ebooks and Audio Books through LEA (Library eBooks and Audiobooks)
Contact: Kate Butler
Visualization of usage from May 2019 through April 2020.
Contact: Kate Butler
Visualization of usage from May 2019 through April 2020.
Performers Directory Enhanced to Simplify Finding Virtual Programs
Contact: Paul Kissman
MBLC has just added a new feature to the Performers Directory (https://mblc.state.ma.us/directories/performers). You can now limit search results to programs that can be delivered virtually. 270 online program opportunities have been added or updated by the performers since we reached out to them last week encouraging them to update their offerings
Contact: Paul Kissman
MBLC has just added a new feature to the Performers Directory (https://mblc.state.ma.us/directories/performers). You can now limit search results to programs that can be delivered virtually. 270 online program opportunities have been added or updated by the performers since we reached out to them last week encouraging them to update their offerings
Preservation and Disaster Recovery
Contact: Evan Knight
REGISTRATION OPEN! Hurricane Risks to Southern New England Webinar, June 16, 10:30am.The hurricane season for the Atlantic coast began on June 1, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted a “busy” hurricane season for 2020. As institutions continue to cope with the complexities of COVID, hurricanes remain existential risks to your collections, institutions, and communities. Join a free virtual presentation by Matthew Belk, a Lead Meteorologist for the National Weather Service, Boston, Tuesday June 16th at 10:30am to learn more about hurricanes and hurricane preparedness in the Commonwealth. Hosted by staff from MBLC, MLS, and COSTEP MA, a statewide network of cultural heritage and emergency management professionals. https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5731831488799787023.
SAVE THE DATE: Special collections symposium for smaller libraries, July 23, 9am-12pm.Local public memory collections provide important, unique, and sustainable opportunities to interpret a community’s contemporary experiences as they change over time. Yet there are many challenges in building, preserving, and sharing these collections, especially among smaller libraries. Renowned experts in the book trade, academic libraries, and library special collections will convene for a morning symposium of sharing and dialogue about these topics, tailored specifically for library workers, librarians, archivists, and collections volunteers with various levels of experience. Registration information and additional symposium information coming next week.
Promotion/Summer Library Program
Contact: Celeste Bruno
Matthew Perry
Rachel Masse (summer and the Bruins)
Contact: Celeste Bruno
Matthew Perry
Rachel Masse (summer and the Bruins)
Bruins
We’re happy to announce that Massachusetts native, Charlie Coyle is the Bruins player who is featured on all of the summer materials. Please place your order. Items will be shipped directly to you at no cost to your library.
Hockey will be played during the summer and the Bruins are in first place!
We’re happy to announce that Massachusetts native, Charlie Coyle is the Bruins player who is featured on all of the summer materials. Please place your order. Items will be shipped directly to you at no cost to your library.
Hockey will be played during the summer and the Bruins are in first place!
Promotion
Ads promoting digital resources like Library Ebooks and Audiobooks (LEA) will continue to run through June.
Ads promoting digital resources like Library Ebooks and Audiobooks (LEA) will continue to run through June.
State Aid To Public Libraries
Contact: Liz. Babbit
Uechi Ng
Mary Rose Quinn
ARIS Workshops
State Aid will be hosting eight ARIS (Annual Report Information Survey) workshops online in June via Zoom. All sessions will take place from 10:00 am -12:30 pm. We’ve added half an hour to each session to allow for additional questions you may have. Registration will be through the MBLC Calendar
The dates are:
June 11
June 16
June 17
June 18
June 24
June 25
State Aid will be hosting eight ARIS (Annual Report Information Survey) workshops online in June via Zoom. All sessions will take place from 10:00 am -12:30 pm. We’ve added half an hour to each session to allow for additional questions you may have. Registration will be through the MBLC Calendar
The dates are:
June 11
June 16
June 17
June 18
June 24
June 25
Reporting Deadlines for FY2021:
ARIS will open as usual on July 1st but the deadline will be extended until October 2nd to allow libraries and networks more time to gather statistics. The Financial Report and State Aid Compliance Application will open August 7th as scheduled and also close on October 2nd. Municipalities applying for a waiver of the FY2021 MAR will have until November 6th to complete additional paperwork.
PLEASE NOTE: All dates are based on current information we have about COVID19 and the Governor’s State of Emergency. We will reassess deadlines if necessary but they will not be earlier than stated above.
ARIS will open as usual on July 1st but the deadline will be extended until October 2nd to allow libraries and networks more time to gather statistics. The Financial Report and State Aid Compliance Application will open August 7th as scheduled and also close on October 2nd. Municipalities applying for a waiver of the FY2021 MAR will have until November 6th to complete additional paperwork.
PLEASE NOTE: All dates are based on current information we have about COVID19 and the Governor’s State of Emergency. We will reassess deadlines if necessary but they will not be earlier than stated above.