Keep on eye on this space for the latest in CLiC updates involving Spring Workshops…

MARCH 17, 2020

CLiC’s approach to COVID-19 remains focused on planning, pragmatic action and no hysteria.  Things are changing quickly as closures are happening across the state – quite possibly including YOUR library.

We’ve made the decision to cancel ALL Spring Workshops, including Pueblo which was scheduled for April 27 & 28.

We’re communicating this additional cancellation of Pueblo Spring Workshop to you within hours of our decision so that you can do your part.

• If you reserved lodging in Pueblo, we advise you to cancel immediately, before any penalty is assessed. If you reserved through discounted room blocks at either of the two hotels identified by CLiC, here are those contacts:

1. • La Quinta Inn & Suites Pueblo: 866-527-1498 or 719-542-3500
   • SpringHill Suites Pueblo Downtown: 719-546-1234

• We are currently working on plans to provide a virtual alternative to the Spring Workshops.  Right now all library staff are busy with local responses to COVID-19.  Any virtual workshop will be planned for late spring or early summer.  Not to worry – we’ll keep you up to date on new plans.

Our decision was easy, because it was NOT based on emotion, and certainly NOT in reaction to the recent deluge of media reports, announcements of closures, and event cancellations from businesses, sports leagues and entertainment industries.

Primary factors behind our decision:

We’re informed by FACTS, along with scientific and medical information from the CDC & NIOSH, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and the Tri-County Health Department (Adams, Arapahoe & Douglas Counties).

When a credentialed and experienced infectious disease expert, epidemiologist, or other scientific specialist or public health official knowledgeable about this topic speaks, we listen. As seen through the eyes of these credible sources, there are two fundamental facts about viral outbreaks of this nature:

• There is a clear mandate for all of us to slow the onset of a virus like COVID-19, systemically.
• Organizations like CLiC are responsible for eliminating opportunities for a virus like COVID-19 to spread rapidly through our communities. We take that responsibility seriously.

An additional factor: in monitoring communications among Colorado libraries, we see an emerging trend – library staff members are simply focused on taking care of local affairs, trying to figure out what the “new normal” will look like, and how to best serve their communities right now.

Now, to address key questions you likely have:

Do I need to do anything about requesting a refund for my previously-paid registration?

Nope, we have you covered, and CLiC will be issuing those refunds as a routine matter. We’ll contact you individually if necessary.

Has CLiC considered alternatives, like a virtual conference?

Definitely. We’ve already laid the groundwork for what that virtual experience would look like, and planning the logistics. Presenters: stay tuned. While we don’t think it’s feasible to offer the exact equivalent of a multi-track, multi-session, in-person conference like a Spring Workshop, we do believe online versions can still be jam-packed with quality content.  You’ll hear more on this in a few weeks after we firm up plans.

Is CLiC shutting down courier services?

No, that’s a local library-by-library decision. And there’s so much more to unpack in that question. Please rest assured that our organization has been communicating directly with ILL staff, directors, library leaders and others concerned about our state’s resource-sharing infrastructure. To see the latest on this, visit our Library Closures Update & Courier Services page.

MARCH 12, 2020

As we’ve communicated previously, CLiC’s approach to COVID-19 is all about planning, pragmatic action and no hysteria.

We’ve made the decision to cancel Spring Workshops in Grand Junction (March 19-20) and Fort Morgan (March 27). As of today, the Pueblo workshop is still scheduled, but we’ll continue to monitor this evolving situation. More about the factors for our decision to cancel the first two workshops can be found further down in this message.

We’re communicating to you within hours of our decision so that you can do your part.

1. If you reserved lodging in Grand Junction, we advise you to cancel immediately, before any penalty is assessed. If you reserved through discounted room blocks at either of the two hotels identified by CLiC, here are those contacts:
   • Hampton Inn Grand Junction: 970-243-3222
   • SpringHill Suites Grand Junction: 970-424-5777
2. Since you already committed to attending and/or presenting, consider holding these dates open in your schedule…because CLiC is already planning virtual/online conferences to replace these two in-person events. These would be held on the same dates as the in-person conferences: March 19-20 and March 27. More details to come soon.

Our decision was easy, because it was NOT based on emotion, and certainly NOT in reaction to the recent deluge of media reports, announcements of closures, and event cancellations from businesses, sports leagues and entertainment industries.

Primary factors behind our decision:

We’re informed by FACTS, along with scientific and medical information from the CDC & NIOSH, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and Tri-County Health Department (Adams, Arapahoe & Douglas Counties).

When a credentialed and experienced infectious disease expert, epidemiologist, or other scientific specialist or public health official knowledgeable about this topic speaks, we listen. As seen through the eyes of these credible sources, there are two fundamental facts about viral outbreaks of this nature:

• There is a clear mandate for all of us to slow the onset of a virus like COVID-19, systemically.
• Organizations like CLiC are responsible for eliminating opportunities for a virus like COVID-19 to spread rapidly through our communities. We take that responsibility seriously.

An additional factor: in monitoring communications among Colorado library leaders and various public employers, we see an emerging trend — toward barring unnecessary business travel by employees. If the organizations that employ our valued workshop presenters mandate such travel restrictions, that will have an impact. We believe it is prudent to stay ahead of the curve.

Now, to address key questions you likely have:

Do I need to do anything about requesting a refund for my previously-paid registration?
Nope, we have you covered, and CLiC will be issuing those refunds as a routine matter. We’ll contact you individually if necessary.

Has CLiC considered alternatives, like a virtual conference?
Definitely. We’ve already laid the groundwork for what that virtual experience would look like, and planning the logistics. Presenters: stay tuned. While we don’t think it’s feasible to offer the exact equivalent of a multi-track, multi-session, in-person conference like a Spring Workshop, we do believe online versions can still be jam-packed with quality content.

Is CLiC shutting down courier services?
That’s off topic. And there’s so much to unpack in that question. Please know that our organization has been planning and taking pragmatic action with no hysteria on ALL of our service fronts… from courier to AspenCat, from Colleague on Call to cooperative purchasing, and beyond.

MARCH 10, 2020

Everywhere you turn there’s news of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus that has made its way into Colorado. Inevitably, whether you’re a scheduled presenter or registered attendee, you’ve no doubt wondered, “What’s happening with the CLiC Spring Workshops?”

Here’s the latest.

We’ve been watching this evolving situation for months, staying abreast of the latest credible information published by a variety of sources. So we’re NOT scrambling. Our mantra: Planning, Pragmatic Action, NO Hysteria.

As of March 10, the Spring Workshops are still rolling. With these caveats:

1. We strongly suggest that any individual who is sick, or has contact with someone else is sick, should NOT attend. This applies to presenters and attendees equally.
2. Any individual who is concerned about attending, for any reason, should feel free to make that personal decision – with no judgment and no penalty from CLiC.
3. Registration will be fully refunded by CLiC to any person who has already paid, no questions asked.

We simply ask that individuals communicate. If you’re registered to present or attend, and decide not to, please send email to clichelp@clicweb.org or use our online form.

Now, to address key questions you likely have:

Is CLiC staying the course no matter what?
No, that would be stupid. We’re actively monitoring this evolving situation, AND we are in communication with the venues where spring workshops are hosted. For instance, if Colorado Mesa University were to close its venue, that would be a determining factor involving the Grand Junction event.

But what about protecting those with underlying health conditions? Isn’t CLiC endangering them?
Please refer to caveats 1, 2 & 3 above.

Has CLiC considered alternatives, like a virtual conference?
Absolutely. In fact we’ve already laid the groundwork for what that virtual experience would look like, how we would pivot and potentially deliver a modified version of a spring workshop through our online platform.

Is CLiC shutting down courier services?
Uh, that’s off topic. But again, know that our organization has been planning and taking pragmatic action with no hysteria on ALL of our service fronts… from courier to AspenCat, from Colleague on Call to cooperative purchasing, and beyond.