REALM Project

Virtual programming: Resource roundup

While social distancing guidelines are in place, archives, libraries, and museums have the opportunity to meet people where they are: online. Below are examples and resources for conducting successful virtual programs. 

Note: These examples may have changed since being reviewed; last accessed May 4, 2021, unless noted.

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Museums

"Virtual Programs for Children - What Do Parents Want Now?" from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), findings from a study by AAM on virtual programming.  Published May 10, 2021. 

“Museum at Home,” from The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: An example of guest-facing resources including videos, activities, and events.

“At-Home Activities for Kids,” from the Boston Children’s Museum: A regularly updated collection of videos and resource lists for caretakers to use with children.

“Thriving as a Virtual Museum: The National Museum of American Jewish History’s Playbook,” from the American Alliance of Museums, published April 2021: A case study of virtual programming across museum operations.

“#MuseumsfromHome,” from Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums: Explore examples of virtual programs from a variety of different museum types and sizes.  

"Digital Tools for Pandemic Times,” from the American Alliance of Museums, published November 2020: This blog post covers digital solutions for connecting to guests at home, managing attendance, and modifying the in-gallery experience.

"Livestreaming and museums: making museums truly accessible,” from MuseumNext, published March 2020: This article covers the pros and cons of livestreaming for museums.

"How to Keep Your Audience Engaged, Entertained, and Inspired in the Age of Coronavirus," from Cuseum, published March 2020: Whether you watch the webinar or read the highlights, there’s lots to glean from this discussion on keeping your social media and digital events relevant and engaging.

"How museums are engaging with visitors during social distancing,” from Blooloop, published March 2020: With a focus on social media campaigns, this article covers some playful approaches to audience engagement online.

"The Ultimate Guide to Virtual Museum Resources, E-Learning, and Online Collections," from MCN, published March 2020: This exhaustive record of museum digital experiences has been collected by museum technology professionals and fans.

Libraries

“What Your Library Can Do Remotely,” from the Massachusetts Library System: A list of ideas for digital library offerings with helpful resources hyperlinked.

“Beyond books: Libraries cure pandemic boredom with virtual classes, crafts and story time,” from The Washington Post, published January 2021: A look at the virtual programming, and underutilized resources, at five of Washington D.C.’s public library systems.

“Evaluating Your Virtual Programs,” from the Programming Librarian blog, published March 2021: Evaluating a program’s success is an important part of a librarian's work, and virtual programming is no exception. The Programming Librarian shares helpful strategies in a blogpost accompanied by webinar.

"Youth Programming Goes Virtual—Story Times, Crafts, Teen Activities, and More," from WebJunction, published April 2020: A list resources and examples for virtual youth programming from public libraries around the U.S.

"Programming Through the Pandemic,” from Library Journal, published May 2020: How public libraries are meeting the challenge by reimagining how to serve the public.

"Virtual Programming and Patron Privacy,” from ALSC, published April 2020: Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom, shares key thoughts for libraries to consider regarding virtual programs and patron privacy.

"Streaming storytime resources,” from the Massachusetts Library System: A collection of virtual story time resources.

"Library Programming for Teens Goes Virtual During Covid-19,” from Publishers Weekly, published April 2020: Five approaches to teen programming.

"Virtual programming resource round-up,” by Programming Librarian, published April 2020: Resources to help librarians create and sustain virtual programs.