TY - JOUR
T1 - Understanding Motivations, Goals, Supports, and Challenges for Implementing Virtual Storytime Programs
T2 - Insights from Library Directors
AU - Joo, Soohyung
AU - Cahill, Maria
AU - LeFebvre, Luke
AU - Garcia, Antonio
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - Public libraries quickly transitioned their storytime programs during the pandemic to virtual formats to continue connections with their patrons. Library directors across the United States responded to a survey exploring their rationales, goals, necessary supports, promotion strategies, and challenges associated with offering virtual storytimes. The survey findings revealed that the primary motivations for virtual storytimes included sustaining connections with patrons and supporting children’s literacy development. Virtual storytimes aimed to address broader library missions, attract new patrons, and reach diverse groups of people in communities. Essential support to the effectiveness of virtual storytimes included sufficient preparation time, dedicated staff, professional development, and technological resources, among others. The survey responses identified various challenges, such as securing caregiver interest, availability of devices and internet, and technological expertise. This study highlights the significant roles of virtual storytimes in advancing library missions, particularly for remote and marginalized communities, both during and beyond the pandemic.
AB - Public libraries quickly transitioned their storytime programs during the pandemic to virtual formats to continue connections with their patrons. Library directors across the United States responded to a survey exploring their rationales, goals, necessary supports, promotion strategies, and challenges associated with offering virtual storytimes. The survey findings revealed that the primary motivations for virtual storytimes included sustaining connections with patrons and supporting children’s literacy development. Virtual storytimes aimed to address broader library missions, attract new patrons, and reach diverse groups of people in communities. Essential support to the effectiveness of virtual storytimes included sufficient preparation time, dedicated staff, professional development, and technological resources, among others. The survey responses identified various challenges, such as securing caregiver interest, availability of devices and internet, and technological expertise. This study highlights the significant roles of virtual storytimes in advancing library missions, particularly for remote and marginalized communities, both during and beyond the pandemic.
KW - children’s programming
KW - decision-making
KW - library directors
KW - Public libraries
KW - storytime
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85214114177&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85214114177&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/01930826.2024.2437962
DO - 10.1080/01930826.2024.2437962
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85214114177
SN - 0193-0826
JO - Journal of Library Administration
JF - Journal of Library Administration
ER -