The New Jersey Law Librarians Association kicked off the 2020-21 year with a program entitled “Teaching and Learning in the Virtual World”, moderated by Johanna Bizub and Gayle Lynn-Nelson. Twenty members were in attendance at various times throughout the virtual program and everyone enjoyed seeing familiar faces and hearing familiar voices.
Johanna had reached out to NJLLA members about how people are coping with the pandemic and what changes they have made. Some members are going into the office once in a while or more frequently (including choosing to go in at night to avoid people in the office during daytime hours). Staying home has its own challenges – sharing space 24/7 with family members who may also be trying to work or attend school. Pets are different – we love being home with our pets! Making a comfortable space – an office, the dining room table – with a proper setup is essential. Some members took home chairs and monitors, others have purchased webcams, monitors, headsets and other equipment. We’re no longer working from home sporadically or one day a week, it’s full-time and your setup needs to change to avoid back pain, etc. Standing up and moving around is key.
Everyone is looking at converting print to digital format or just cancelling print during this time. It’s also been an opportunity to grow and learn new skills and adapt quickly to a changing environment. There are struggles with burnout – these are hard times.
After sharing circumstances and ideas, Gayle provided some great ideas for making meetings and trainings more interesting (the Powerpoint is here). As we stay virtual, it’s important to keep connecting with people on a personal level as well as a professional level. NJLLA’s Program Committee hopes to continue offering opportunities for professional and personal connection for all of our members. Happy Thanksgiving to all!