COVID-19: Reopening

Stage 2: Most Staff Return to Work in Buildings in compliance with the Governor’s directives. Libraries must first and foremost abide by their local government's directives.

PEOPLE:

• Staff with special health considerations may need to continue to telework.
• Staff work routines are modified to ensure social distancing safe handling of materials and eventual interaction with the general public.
• Staff provided clear instructions regarding social distancing and safety including the use of face masks. Library should provide the appropriate supplies to ensure safety.
• Staff should return to the building at least a week prior to partial opening to the public to ensure training in all safety protocols and staff assessment of their work area.
• Ensure that the mental and emotional needs of staff are met.
• Restrict volunteers, interns and other non-library personnel.

SPACE:

• Staff prepare for opening to public in stages and in accordance with the Governor's social distancing directives for public spaces.
• Staff work areas and public areas may need to be modified to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Marking the floor at 6ft intervals with tape similar to what grocery stores are doing is advisable.
• Re-configure flow of traffic in library from entrance to exit. This can be challenging if the library only has one entry/exit point, monitoring of the entrance by security or a staff member will have to be considered.
• Determine whether public areas need additional cleaning.
• The Governor’s modified directives may require the installation of protective plexiglass shields at public service desks and counters. The library needs to be prepared to install these.
• Library Director with the input of the library board should assess revision of room rental policies and general Patron Code of Conduct policies to ensure social distancing protocols are followed.
• Maintain PPE and sanitizing supply chain to ensure adequate supplies to support an open public space.

PLATFORM:

• Staff catches up on library materials returned by users: check in, mending, holds, notes, etc.
• Books continue to be quarantined for 3 days before handling and checking them in until released from the CDC from doing so.
  • Use gloves to handle any incoming materials.
  • Ensure sanitizing supplies on hand for library materials that have been returned.

• Test all public facing equipment to ensure it is in working order.
• Assess the need for wireless printing capability throughout public spaces. ​
• Continue to offer virtual programs, services and resources.
• Assess which virtual programs and services the library should consider continuing online even after full public service is restored. 

Strategy: Draft or revise existing marketing communications plan to highlight what your library has been doing to serve your community during the pandemic and what your community should expect as the library begins the re-opening process.

The Connecticut State Library, Division of Library Development is there for you.

Stage 3: Limited Public Service Restored as Health Emergency Continues to Ease.

PEOPLE

• Ensure staff is trained in all aspects of social distancing protocol.
• Ensure staff has the resources and support to deal with patrons that have experienced trauma.
• Ensure patrons with special needs are accommodated safely.
• Children and young adults will present a unique challenge.
  • Provide children and young adults the same information as adults.
  • Consider developing programming for children focused on social distancing.
  • Begin planning for revised programming, story time and interactive play areas within the library.
  • Post clear signage about washing hands and using hand sanitizer.
• Continue restriction of volunteers, interns, and other non-library personnel with the exception of contractors as needed.
• Continue to monitor CDC and other entities for updated guidelines.
• Consider providing PPE including masks for patrons who may not have access to these items.
• Continue and increase online programming.  
• Implement limited, low contact outreach services.  
• Implement limited, low contact in house programming where feasible.
• In anticipation of potential future closures, update policies and procedures as needed. Library administrations and library boards may need to consider asking for legal consultation regarding certain measures and changes they choose to implement in their libraries.

SPACE:

• Buildings gradually open to public within the Governor's and local government's directives:
  • Implement social distancing protocol:
    • limit number of people in buildings
    • limit seating for the public, and
    • provision of adequate public area sanitation supplies throughout the library.
• Clear signage with social distancing protocol or preferably adopted social distancing policies.
• Provide at least six feet of distance all the way around between your computer terminals; seating areas:
  • Directional signs, floor tape indicating safe distances.
  • Take computers and any excess furniture out of public space that are too close together and reconfigure space where able with temporary tables using your Wi-Fi service and a plug.

• Installation of plexiglass shields at public service desks and counters.

PLATFORM:

• Wireless available throughout building
• Reference, holds, and interlibrary loan restored.
• Books continue to be quarantined upon return to the library for three days until restrictions are lifted and the Covid-19 disease is considered resolved.

STRATEGIES: Develop a comprehensive public safety information plan and broadcast widely via social media, signs, announcements to ensure that patrons fully understand social distancing protocol within the library, expectations and any new policies. In the same messaging, highlight how your library and continued to serve the community during the time the library was closed, Use positive phrases like “we are all in this together” or “AnytownUSA Strong (fill in your community name). Following the Sandy Hook tragedy, the community came together with a common cause, collaborative and cooperative outlooks.

The Connecticut State Library, Division of Library Development is there for you.

Stage 4: Full Public Service Restored. Library building completely open to the public with business as usual contingent on the Governor's directives as well as the directives of local government. Services restored include:

• Unlimited entry to the library.
• Social distancing restrictions are lifted.
• Public programs restored.
• Interns and volunteers can return to work within the building.
• Room rentals restored.
• Staff develops messaging and communicates full-service restoration.

Stage 4 may be 12-18 months away

**Thank you to Patience Frederiksen of the Alaska State Library and Colleen Eggett of the Utah State Library

The Connecticut State Library, Division of Library Development is there for you.