Answers for Staffs and Library Users from Mass.gov, the CDC, and Medline

In day-to-day operations, libraries consider the safety of people, collections, and facilities. This year, libraries need also think about the health of staff members and library users.

A query from one NMRLS library passed on the concerns of a staff member who asked about pandemic flu:
How would libraries be forced to respond?
Since we handle materials, phones, keyboards, in common with the public, what means can we take to ameliorate contagion?
What are essential services if too many of our staff are out sick?

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Centers for Disease Control, and National Library of Medicine have resources. Stay updated on what is going on at national, state, and local levels. The CDC site has a very helpful communication toolkit for employers.

For public libraries, it is a good time to check in with your municipal government. The mayor/town manager/local health department may already be planning for the schools, day care providers, senior center, and municipal offices. As the community gathering place, the library should be at the table with local agencies as they plan, and then be the place for the best possible information for its citizens.

The State of Wisconsin has planning steps for public libraries that include links to ALA. Using these as a model, the J.V. Fletcher Library (Westford) has written a draft pandemic planning document that will go to its Trustees for approval. The Library has shared it with NMRLS and your library is welcome to use it as you develop your own policies.

If you are on a college campus, know what your health officials are telling students and faculty. The University of Massachusetts (Lowell) Health Services Department maintains an update on its website.