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Public Library Virtual Storytimes: The Whys, Why Nots, and Measures of Success.

Authors :
Cahill, Maria
Cole, Averi
Joo, Soohyung
LeFebvre, Luke
Garcia, Antonio
Source :
Journal of Library Administration; Feb2024, Vol. 64 Issue 2, p224-242, 19p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many public libraries offered virtual storytimes (VSTs). Who proposed, authorized, and developed these programs? What impact did they have in the short term and long term? To find out, we created a survey on the decision and evaluation processes behind VST. We received 415 responses from children's librarians throughout the United States. Our findings indicate that children's librarians exercised keen administrative and management skills in launching VSTs and the programs prioritized children's socioemotional development and learning. However, assessment of the programs is somewhat lacking as libraries tended to focus on outputs like the number of views rather than more meaningful indicators of program value for the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
01930826
Volume :
64
Issue :
2
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Journal of Library Administration
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
175444248
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2024.2305074