Due to COVID-19, many libraries shut their physical doors and worked in a virtual environment for weeks if not months. During this time, librarians had to quickly adjust their workplans, communication, and ways of interacting with the public. There was not a great deal of time to consider best practices for virtual libraries, or to research and incorporate the best virtual tools.

In this presentation, Lauren Hays will share best practices for virtual libraries and tools for communication and organization. Even though libraries are re-opening, there are things from the virtual experience that can help libraries use technology effectively and continue to maintain a virtual presence for users.

As a result of this informative program, attendees will be able to:

• Select technology tools for communication and organization.
• Identify best practices for virtual libraries.
• Determine ways to maintain a virtual presence for users.

Lauren Hays ~ Biography

Lauren Hays, PhD, is the instructional and research librarian at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS where she enjoys teaching and being a member of her institution’s Faculty Development Committee. She has co-presented at the annual conference for the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning and was the 2017 speaker on SoTL for the Association of College and Research Libraries’ Student Learning and Information Literacy Committee’s Midwinter Discussion.

Her professional interests include SoTL, teaching, information literacy, educational technology, library and information science education, teacher identity, and academic development. On a personal note, she loves dogs, traveling, and home.