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MBLC Service Update\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n<\/u>June 10, 2020<\/strong><\/p>\n
Past Updates
\n<\/strong>April 1, 2020<\/a>
\nApril 8, 2020<\/a>
\nApril 15, 2020<\/a>
\nApril 22, 2020<\/a>
\nApril 29, 2020<\/a>
\nMay 6, 2020<\/a>
\nMay 13, 2020<\/a>
\nMay 27, 2020<\/a><\/u>
\nJune 3, 2020<\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\nContact: <\/span>Maura Deedy<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Rob Favini<\/span><\/a> (MBLC)<\/span>
\n<\/span>Sarah Sogigian<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Terry McQuown<\/span><\/a> (MLS)<\/span>
\n<\/span>Phase 2, Step 1<\/b><\/span>
\n<\/b><\/span>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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/b><\/span>Last week Rob Favini spoke with WGBH\u2019s 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: <\/span>https:\/\/www.wgbh.org\/news\/local-news\/2020\/06\/03\/in-it-together-6-3-2020<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/b><\/span>Contact: <\/b><\/span>Liz Babbitt<\/span><\/a>
\n<\/b><\/span>In light of the Governor’s phased re-opening plan, please update the COVID19 reopening survey<\/span>\u00a0via the\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>new LibWizard form<\/b><\/span><\/a>\u00a0This\u00a0will be\u00a0shared with the library community in a Google spreadsheet titled “COVID19: Re-opening Public Libraries Survey”.<\/span>
\n<\/span>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\u00a0<\/span>we<\/b><\/span>\u00a0will\u00a0NOT\u00a0be creating a version of this survey for the public<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>UNTIL libraries have started opening<\/b><\/span>.<\/span>
\nYou can still update the original COVID19 Closure form via this LibWizard link:\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/mblc.libwizard.com\/f\/covid-19<\/span><\/a>\u200b\u00a0. I’ll continue to update that\u00a0Google\u00a0sheet\u00a0for the next few weeks.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/u><\/b><\/span>Contact: <\/span>Lyndsay Forbes<\/span><\/a>
\n<\/u><\/span>The application for <\/span>Virtual Programming for Distance Learning<\/b><\/span> is now open! <\/span>Applications due June 19<\/b><\/span>
\n<\/b><\/span>This grant opportunity is one way the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is using <\/span>CARES Act funding<\/span><\/a>. Libraries may use Virtual Programming for Distance Learning grants to support increased public access to library virtual programs. \u00a0<\/span>Programming for<\/i><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>all ages should be considered<\/i><\/span>.\u00a0<\/b><\/span>Libraries are strongly encouraged to work with local museums and local cultural institutions to enhance virtual programming.\u00a0<\/span>
\n<\/span>Any library that is a member of MLS can apply. Public libraries must be certified in state aid.\u00a0<\/span>These are the only eligibility requirements for this grant.\u00a0<\/i><\/span>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.<\/span>
\nContact Lyndsay with any questions.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>BEANSTACK through CARES Act<\/b><\/span>
\n<\/b><\/span>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.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/b><\/span>Contact:\u00a0 <\/span>Lauren Stara<\/span><\/a>
\n<\/span>Andrea Bunker<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
\nGiven 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. <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/u><\/b><\/span>Contact: <\/span>Kate Butler<\/span><\/a>
\n<\/span>Visualization of usage<\/span><\/a> from May 2019 through April 2020. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/b><\/span>Contact: <\/span>Paul Kissman<\/span><\/a>
\n<\/b><\/span>MBLC has just added a new feature to the Performers Directory (<\/span>https:\/\/mblc.state.ma.us\/directories\/performers<\/span><\/a>).\u00a0 You can now limit search results to programs that can be delivered virtually. \u00a0 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<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/b><\/span>
\n<\/b><\/span>Preservation and Disaster Recovery<\/u><\/b><\/span>
\n<\/b><\/span>Contact: <\/span>Evan Knight<\/span><\/a>
\n<\/u><\/span>
\n<\/u><\/span>REGISTRATION OPEN! Hurricane Risks to Southern New England Webinar, June 16, 10:30am.<\/b><\/span>The hurricane season for the Atlantic coast began on June 1, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted a \u201cbusy\u201d 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. <\/span>https:\/\/register.gotowebinar.com\/register\/5731831488799787023<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n