What is a Second Responder?
Watch the short video below to discover some of the ways in which libraries can be considered Second Responders.
Califa created Libraries As Second Responders (LASR) series after seeing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the library workforce. While not on the immediate front lines like first responders, libraries and their staff filled a unique niche in the lives of their community members. This series will prepare public library staff to effectively respond to the public health issues that are in their communities today, and to be ready in case another emergency appears.
The training modules and microlearning videos in the LASR series will enable library workers to:
- Identify key partners, programs and resources available within their communities;
- Strategically position the public library within those networks;
- Develop an understanding of how the long-standing systemic health and social inequities have put vulnerable people, including racial & ethnic minority groups, at increased risk of negative health impacts
- Assess the critical needs of these groups in order to aid in recovery.
The Courses
Each course can be taken by itself, or you can jump in and complete all five.
Hi, we are Califa +Infopeople!
Our vision is to champion a world where everyone is equal, included and thriving through libraries.
We love to hear from fellow library folk so please drop us a line at [email protected].
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services RE-248569-OLS-20.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and X.
