How can the hamilton public libRary safely engage with members who are unable to access digital services during the pandemic?
Project Description: With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the Hamilton Public Library (HPL) to pivot to online-only programming in March 2020, HPL staff have rolled out a wide variety of digital programming and lending options for members, resulting in a milestone of 1 million digital e-book downloads since the beginning of the year. In the Fall, HPL was able to provide safe, in-person, pickup options for print materials, as well as creative telephone-based programming for seniors. Knowing that members engage with and use materials, services, and programming in very different ways depending on many factors including digital skills, access to technology, and personal preference, it is important for the library to consider novel ways of engaging with members who do not have digital access or would prefer not to access programs online.
City Staff: Krystin Parkinson, Strategic Planning & Engagement Coordinator, Hamilton Public Library
Deliverables:
Primary research: community member's needs presented in a summary checklist of requirements would be ideal to confirm that the library is meeting needs.
Secondary research: exploration of asynchronous non-digital learning in a business case analysis of potential solutions
Project Start Date/ Availability: Winter 2021 (January-April)
Location: City-Wide, Hamilton Public Library has 22 branches across the city.
City Strategy Priority: Community Engagement and Participation, Healthy and Safe Communities and Culture and Diversity.
Learn more about this challenge at our Matchmaker Session