iSchool Capstone

The More We Get Together: Improving Interactivity and Community Building in Online Live Storytimes

Project tags:

community engagement & outreach

digital youth & youth services

Project poster

Children's librarians moved storytime online at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic without knowledge of what works in that format. The project sponsor, Claire Scott, began weekly community storytimes and struggled with replicating the interactivity and community building present in-person. Through observation, research, surveys, and trial, I tested various new elements with Claire's storytime audience. I found that platform matters; freeze dances, scavenger hunts, and getting off mute helps with interactivity; and I created a Facebook group for the adults to connect with one another. I also created a one-page guide for other librarians to use in their storytimes.

Project participants:

Jane Singer

MLIS