Guidance Content & Protocols
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The current coronavirus pandemic has upended the ways that communities interact with spaces, with things, and with each other. Even as we seek to resume the valuable services and programs that libraries and library staff provide, there is a recognition that the standard ways of doing things may not align with current public health guidance.
The following resources point to new guidelines and protocols, some standardized and some in process and development.
REOPENING DISTANCE LEARNING & SERVICES INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES MATERIALS HANDLING PRIVACY SCHOOL LIBRARIES SELF-CARE VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING & SERVICE
Reopening
Among the most urgent and complicated processes following many states’ and localities’ stay at home orders was the reopening of physical spaces and the services that happen within them.
Guidelines for Reopening Libraries During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Developed by Theresa Chmara, general counsel for the Freedom to Read Foundation, and approved by the ’s Intellectual Freedom Committee on June 8, 2020, the include review of federal, state, and local laws, including agency recommendations, such as those of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
State-by-State Guidelines for Library Reopenings or Library Services During the Pandemic
State library agencies, cooperatives, and consortia have provided local leadership to support reopening of library services or the provision of library services during the pandemic. Provided below are state-by-state guidelines and resources – please note that some documents are working documents and may continue to be updated.
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Information and Education Resources for Reopening
Authored by the Freedom to Read Foundation’s General Counsel, Theresa Chmara, and approved by the Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC) this document helps answer some of the frequently asked questions about upholding safety while offering library services during an unprecedented time. The guidelines address protecting staff health and wellness, and legal aspects of health checks, face mask requirements, the use of sign-in logs, and requests for users to leave libraries. The resource also offers next steps in reviewing policies.
Presented by ’s Public Policy & Advocacy Office and Chapter Relations Office and United for Libraries, this webinar explores how library boards can work together with legal counsel and others to address legal questions; change policies as needed; and anticipate, communicate, and prepare for what comes next. May 15, 2020.
The Association of College and Research Libraries’ libguide compiles a wealth of resources for considering the reopening of academic libraries and what higher education will look like in the wake of COVID-19.
EPIC provides an array of resources - webinars, newsletters, continuing education - provided by partner organizations committed to helping people stay safer and healthier during a public health emergency.
Additional Resources to Support Reopening
The CDC's Communities, Schools, Workplaces, and Events page features guidance for ; ; and . Additional resources for and will be important regardless of library type.
The Council of State Governors’ COVID-19 Resources for State Leaders page includes an up-to-date listing of executive orders, searchable by state, by classification, or concerning re-openings.
The Centers for Disease Controls’ Public Health Professionals Gateway includes a directory of state and territory health departments’ websites, an easy way to access state-level public health information and guidance.
The National Association of County and City Health Officials' Directory of Local Health Departments allows users to search by state or zip code.
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Guidelines from the American College Health Association for reopening higher education institutions in the wake of COVID-19. May 7, 2020.
Guidelines for reopening libraries from the American Industrial Hygiene Association. May 26, 2020. Additional resources from AIHA include , , and Reopening Guidance documents for , , , and .
The AAUP's guidance considers logistical and health and safety concerns as well as concerns for how best to achieve the academic mission both during the COVID-19 pandemic and in its aftermath.
Distance Learning and Services
As libraries and library workers expand access to distance learning, services, and programs, they are adapting and evolving best practices to maximize value for their communities.
Information and Education Resources from .
The Association of College and Research Libraries’ Standards for Distance Learning Library Services affirm that students, faculty members, administrators, staff members, or any other members of an institution of higher education are entitled to the library services and resources of that institution, including direct communication with the appropriate library personnel, regardless of where they are physically located in relation to the campus; where they attend class in relation to the institution’s main campus; or the modality by which they take courses. The standards make clear that distance learning and library services require commitments from both the institution and the library and outline requirements and consideration for the provision of these services.
The Association of College and Research Libraries presents a webinar featuring Melissa Wong, adjunct Lecturer at the iSchool University of Illinois at Chicago, with guidance for moving library instruction online, covering both synchronous and asynchronous instruction, student engagement in active learning while online, and best practices. March 17, 2020.
The Association of College and Research Libraries presents a facilitated conversation exploring tools, resources, and strategies for shifting information literacy to support remote teaching and learning, led by Jenn Kelley, Associate Professor/Reference Librarian at the College of DuPage. March 18, 2020.
This presentation and Q&A session with Sara R. Benson, copyright librarian at the University of Illinois iSchool and editor of ACRL’s Copyright Conversations: Rights Literacy in a Digital World, provides information on the copyright issues involved in rapidly moving your instruction and reference online. March 20, 2020
International Resources
As libraries and library workers around the world respond to a global pandemic, the resources, guidance, and collaboration from international colleagues continues to be critically important.
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) has compiled resources for libraries in responding to the Coronavirus pandemic, including information on library closures around the world, reopening libraries, and actions by associations, national libraries, and library partners.
The National Authorities on Public Libraries in Europe (NAPLE) have provided two reports covering European public libraries’ responses to the COVID situation. The and reports share findings from 22 European countries regarding the way that COVID-19 affected public library services, with a focus on re-opening strategies and approaches; quarantining of books and other health and safety measures; and other issues that have emerged over the last several months.
Materials Handling
Books, magazines, videos, and other materials remain among the most popular and recognizable of library services. But as public health officials continue to research and learn about virus transmission, there are understandable concerns for library materials handling.
OCLC, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle are currently conducting research on how long the COVID-19 virus survives on materials that are prevalent in libraries, archives, and museums. The project will draw upon the research to produce authoritative, science-based information on how—or if— materials can be handled to mitigate exposure to staff and visitors.
Guided by advice from conservation and preservation specialists, libraries are advised to isolate materials as the most available means of disinfecting; invest in cleaning and sanitizing hard surfaces in the library; and exercise caution when using cleaning solvents on books and other potentially fragile library materials. March 27, 2020.
The Association for Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS) has prepared a resource to guide libraries through the handling of library materials and collections, including the and the .
Privacy
Even during a public health emergency, libraries are still bound by requirements to protect the privacy and confidentiality of library users in order to preserve and protect their civil liberties and their right to receive information.
Created by the Intellectual Freedom Committee Privacy Subcommittee, these guidelines assist libraries in maintaining user privacy as they face new challenges in upholding library workers’ commitment to not monitor, track, or profile an individual’s library use beyond libraries’ operational needs.
The Privacy Subcommittee of ’s Intellectual Freedom Committee hosted a and made available a outlining considerations for providing access to library resources while maintaining the profession’s commitment to patron privacy.
The Library and Information Technology Association’s (LITA) webinar guides library workers in protecting patron data as they adjust to the new normal of working from home. Viewers will learn to identify and understand key risks to library data privacy and security from a rapid shift to working from home; strategies and tools for mitigating common privacy and security risks to library data when working from home; and steps for assessing and planning to protect library data while working remotely for the long term.
School Libraries
The following resources from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) provide guidance for the unique needs of school libraries.
The contains a wealth of FREE resources to help school library professionals whose schools have closed during this pandemic. From webinars to presentations to Knowledge Quest articles and issues, ALL has the resources school librarians need to engage with learners and update their professional practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out the following free resources that may help school librarians during the pandemic:
A compilation of resources developed by AASL, including information about , the , , and more.
School librarians fulfill five important roles: instructional partner, teacher, leader, information specialist, and program administrator, all of which highlight the profession’s skill at building relationships and creating an inclusive school culture. During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools need this librarian skill set more than ever as they adapt to meet the current needs of learners in a constantly changing learning environment. |
Self-Care
The following resources were suggested by the Public Library Association's (PLA) Social Worker Task Force
An interactive and up-to-date resource from Mental Health America and Shine, with free meditations, information on isolation, and how to structure your day. It also has tips on how to talk to children about the virus.
A free, structured online learning course with videos and readings, where you will engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits. Offered by Yale University.
A podcast by Yale professor Dr Laurie Santos (of The Science of Well-Being course) that will take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will forever alter the way you think about happiness.
This COVID-19 resource document addresses questions about anxiety, health insurance, losing a loved one, and more.
This tip sheet from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration describes feelings and thoughts you may have during and after social distancing, quarantine, and isolation. It also suggests ways to care for your behavioral health during these experiences and provides resources for more help."
Virtual Programming and Service
As libraries expand access to distance services, they have also increased the availability of virtual programming, especially popular programming for children and youth. Quality virtual programming can be of incredible value to children and families - but it may also revive caregivers' concerns for their children's screen time.
The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is currently working on resources to support media mentoring efforts among library professionals as they work with parents, caregivers and youth to identify materials to assist with understanding and facilitating difficult issues related to COVID-19. Media mentoring is a term used to describe working with others to support in decisions and practice around the use of digital and print media.
As libraries of all types expand their digital collections and explore virtual programming, we offer this guide as a resource to those seeking to offer or improve storytime services from afar. While this guide primarily focuses on virtual storytime, it also includes helpful resources and suggestions for other online library experiences and virtual children’s programs.
