LiRN hosted a dynamic, collaborative session on Cool Tips & Innovations within our network as part of our Learn with LiRN Curriculum. Library staff from across Ontario presented a lightning round of some of their innovations such as privacy booths aka People Pods, online ways patrons can ask for research assistance, creating an electronic library resources book, research/time tracking efficiency tools, new interactive smartboards and Take a Paws! Even if not every library can implement these ideas, the sharing of ideas certainly sparked some potential ways to innovate for the future! Links to presentations only work for library staff who are part of LiRN network. A recording of the session is available on LiRN’s YouTube channel for staff.
Cool Tips and Innovations from your Network colleagues, March 21, 2023. Recording on LWL
| Durham Region | Jennie Clarke & Lee Holstead shared their Research Services Request form using JotForm (electronic & print), All things DRLA Library booklet & their fiction lending library that started when a judge requested as reading material for those awaiting their trial. Donations piled in and they now have a great collection. |
| Peel | Jo-Ann McQuillan – “Pod People” Zoom / Privacy booths – Learn from their experience if you are building a business case for these in your upcoming budget. Privacy Pods/Zoom booth vendor: Kube Booth – Contact Rachel Sekler for LiRN Bulk Rate. OR AtWork for their Wheelchair-accessible booth. Library Signage & Wayfinding book recommendation |
| Renfrew | Sheri Proulx / Laura Keuhl did a live demonstration of their cool new Vibe smart board & Meeting Owl (camera & mic) that they use for their CPD/Training/Meetings and more. Benefits of system including vendors & prices. |
| Toronto | Megan Strain shared a live demo of Gimlet, their reference tracking software and how they use tags, time tracking for multiple staff members, resources, reports. etc. |
| York | Betty Dykstra‘s presentation for Toggl, their time tracking database (not Big Brother) Free up to 5 users & Calendly.com. External users can book an appointment using Outlook, Google calendar. Courts in CE using it. Works with Zoom, etc. Free for basics. Frontenac uses Clockify. |
| Carleton | Brenda Lauritzen shared that they have started organizing monthly drop-in stress-relief sessions with the courthouse therapy dogs called Take a Paws with Therapeutic Paws of Canada (Eastern Ontario). Good tips on promotion & event. |