IFLA Statement on Online Storytimes

Abstract

Traditionally, storytimes have taken place in a physical space where reading professionals interact with their audiences and users. However, the rise of digital technologies has created new possibilities to offer such services at a distance. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many libraries have become dependent on online offers in order to continue to fulfill their missions. Allowing storytimes to take place online is simply a continuation of the mission of libraries in a digital environment, opening up possibilities not just to serve existing users in times of lockdown, but also to reach previously under-served groups. In order to fulfill their mission to support literacy and reading development, libraries therefore need to benefit from an adequate legal framework to provide storytimes on a non-profit basis, offline and online.