REALM Project

Grant Vondrachek, Safety, Health and Security Officer, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

Grant Vondrachek of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) shares how his organization activated their emergency response team to navigate the pandemic, and well as the range of digital and in-person programming they have been able to offer. 

Total video length = 8m 31s.

Kelvin Watson, Executive Director, Las Vegas-Clark County Library District

In his experiences as the director of both the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District (NV) and Broward County Libraries (FL) during the pandemic, Kelvin Watson shares the changes to operations, programming and services these organizations have undertaken

Total video length = 8m 51s.

Kathy Zappitello, Executive Director, Conneaut Public Library

Kathy Zappitello fills two important roles the library world: one as the director of the Conneaut Public Library, a community of just under 13,000 residents in northeast Ohio, and the second as the president of the Association of Rural & Small Libraries. Hear Kathy discuss the importance of balancing priorities, slowing down, and supporting staff, as well as looking ahead to how the pandemic will impact services now and in the future. 

Total video length = 5m 38s.

Frederic Bertley, CEO and President, Center of Science and Industry

COSI is a science center located in central Ohio, with the guiding belief that science is for everybody! All ages, backgrounds and abilities. President and CEO, Frederic Bertley shares how early strategic planning helped the organization reimagine how to serve their community during the pandemic. 

Total video length = 8m 1s.

Jennie Garner, Director, North Liberty Library

As the library director at the North Liberty Library in Iowa, Jennie Garner has been right there with her staff as they respond to both individual and broader local needs. From making wellness calls to keeping young patrons engaged, the library has been creative and flexible with their approaches. 

Total video length = 6m 24s.

Kate Laughlin, Executive Director, Association for Rural & Small Libraries

The Association for Rural & Small Libraries recognizes the uniqueness of small and rural libraries and is committed to providing an environment that encourages excellence within this community of practice, supporting their goals of service and speaking on behalf of this important constituency. Executive Director Kate Laughlin shares how the organization navigated the pandemic and sought to strengthen the small and rural library community.
Total video length = 9m 29s.

Belinda Tate, Executive Director, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts 

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts holds more than 5,000 fine artworks in its permanent collection; presents touring and collection exhibitions in 10 galleries; offers four terms of art classes at the Kirk Newman Art School; and  features artwork by area artists and international artisans. During the pandemic, executive director Belinda Tate and her staff have navigated changes that impacted their visitors, artists, and the community.

Total video length = 6m 39s.

William T. Harris, President and CEO, Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is a leading science and space exploration learning center. Their goal is to fuel the STEM pathway and be a gateway for space exploration, science and engineering learning and innovation. William T. Harris describes his institution’s experiences during the pandemic, its impact on staff and procedures, and how REALM research helped with decision-making.

Total video length = 8m 14s.

Carole Charnow, CEO, Boston Children's Museum

For over 100 years, the Boston Children's Museum has been engaging children in joyful discovery experiences that instill an appreciation of our world, develop foundational skills, and spark a lifelong love of learning. Carole Charnow details the museum's experience during this time.

Total video length = 5m 40s.