Promoting Equity with Virtual Library Service
- Conference Year
- Online Northwest 2019
- Session
- 4
- Type
- Breakout Session
- Presenters
- Sandy Morgan, Multnomah County Library
- Bruce Jenks, Multnomah County Library
- Abstract
At Multnomah County Library, virtual service help over 107,000 community members each year through email, text, and telephone, patrons are managing library accounts, using materials, asking reference questions, and receiving tech support. Two years ago, Multnomah County Library developed a centralized service model to gain efficiency and consistency in serving patrons virtually.
Virtual service provides convenience for some and breaks down barriers of access for others, especially vulnerable populations. Virtual services can present a challenging working environment. There are less social cues to read, for better of worse; direct communication is necessary. Monitoring behavior issues and collaborating with colleagues can difficult during busy hours. Small solutions are the way forward to serving the public and promoting equity in library work.
- Learning Outcomes
- Strategies to interrupt microaggressions virtually
- Best practices for technology troubleshooting virtually
- Practical language to substitute for library jargon
- Links