Virtual Resources During COVID-19
Wichita Public Library, Kan.
Innovation Synopsis
As the Wichita Public Library closed its locations during the state’s shelter-in-place order, staff shifted focus to providing virtual resources to job seekers, small businesses, caregivers and educators affected by the sudden changes brought on by the pandemic. The library’s website was overhauled for easy access to resources and services.
Challenge/Opportunity
Several Wichita organizations created web pages to assist the community with resources for unemployment, small business assistance and and other casualties brought on by the pandemic. The library realized an opportunity to highlight free resources and services the community could use to support job seekers, small businesses, caregivers and educators, including educational resources, access to job forums and grant opportunities for nonprofit organizations.
Key Elements of Innovation
Staff with expertise of different databases, resources and services provided this information in an easy-to-use navigation panel available on the library’s homepage of its website. Four panels were provided under the name “Resources for People Impacted by COVID-19:” Resources for Caregivers, Resources for Educators, Resources for Job Seekers and Resources for Small Businesses. Staff also curated resources from outside organizations into one of these categories for quick customer access.
Achieved Outcomes
Creating lists of available library and other organizational resources in a quick click format on the homepage of the website created easier access for customers and staff alike. Throughout the initial shutdown and reopening of libraries, these lists were updated weekly as new resources were made available and resources with outdated information were removed. Customers were able to view the specific information they needed and discovered new ways to use their public library.