LibGuides: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Massachusetts Libraries: Reopening Your Library

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Reopening Your Library

For Massachusetts Libraries

Official Standards

Safety Standards and Checklist: Libraries (Mass.gov)
Mandatory reopening safety standards, recommended best practices and a checklist for libraries.
Libraries MA-COVID Checklist (Mass.gov)
Social distancing and capacity limits; hygiene protocols; staffing and operations; cleaning and disinfecting
Reopening Massachusetts (Current State)
Most recent updates about business guidance, sector-specific protocols and best practices, and additional guidance.

Guidance

MBLC MLS COVID-19 Update
From Rob Favini to the All-Regions Listserv (February 4, 2021)
Reopening Massachusetts Libraries: Guidelines and Recommendations for Resuming Full Services
Version 2, updated for Phase 3
Reopening Massachusetts Libraries Roadmap (MBLC & MLS)
"The road map should be used as a guide to understand possible levels of service and resources needed to assist libraries as they plan the resumption of full, physical library services." Updated July 9, 2020
Reopening Massachusetts Libraries Plan Template (MBLC/MLS)
This is a sample reopening plan and policy that can be modified to meet the needs of your library.

Frequently Asked Questions

HVAC for Libraries During COVID-19 (MBLC)
"The information included here reflects current science and best practices drawn from experts in the field. This guidance can be used by libraries to make better informed decisions regarding their specific HVAC configuration. We recommend that all decisions regarding the opening of library buildings to outside users is done in coordination with local municipal and health department officials."
Designing Libraries for a Pandemic
Building Literacy: Public Library Construction: MBLC Podcast
Contact Tracing and Libraries (By Maura Deedy, Library Advisory Specialist at the MBLC)
June 17, 2020: "The Governor’s specific guidance for libraries that was released on June 8 does not include keeping a log of visitors. MBLC does not recommend keeping such a log. We do not see a role for keeping this kind of information according to the state’s current contact tracing strategy."
MLS/MBLC Guidelines for Reopening Physical Spaces and Recovery of Services: Reopening MA Libraries
The MA Board of Library Commissioners and the MA Library System, in partnership with our automated networks, hosted a series of information gathering sessions with members. This resource includes the summary of calls, as well as the notes from individual calls.

MBLC Library Information

Emergency State Aid Policy Changes FY 2021
On January 7, 2021 Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) unanimously voted to adjust policies to the State Aid to Public Libraries program. This is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Commonwealth’s municipal libraries, staff, Trustees, and patrons.

Report Your Library Status and Services to MBLC

MA Public Libraries -- Please complete the form below. You should resubmit this form each time there is an update in your library operations, e.g, hours or services offered. You may also contact MBLC with information about library closures, reductions in hours, and program cancellations.

COVID19 Massachusetts Public Library Open Status Survey (for library use)
Update your library's information in this survey whenever it changes. This will be shared with the library community in a Google spreadsheet. For more information, contact: liz.babbitt@state.ma.us
MA Public Library Building Status
Spreadsheet of information reported via the Open Status Survey above (updated weekly). For use within the library community.

All MA Libraries -- If there is a change in your hours, please update the information in the MBLC Library Directory, which is accessible to the public.

MBLC Statewide Library Directory (for the public)
Update your information, including COVID-19 status, in the Statewide Library Directory. Share your status (e.g. closed, curbside, open with restrictions), and provide the best points of contact for your library right now, as well as additional information aimed at the public. For more information, contact: paul.kissman@mass.gov

For the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

COVID-19 Response Reporting (Mass.gov)
Daily and cumulative reports on Massachusetts COVID-19 cases, testing, and hospitalizations.
COVID-19 Vaccines (Mass.gov)
Tools to help determine when you are eligible, how to find a vaccination location, and how to prepare for your appointment.
Community-Level COVID-19 Data Reporting
Use this map to learn about key COVID-19 metrics in your community.
Reopening Massachusetts (Mass.gov)
The Baker-Polito Administration’s comprehensive plan to safely reopen the Massachusetts economy, get people back to work, and ease social restrictions while minimizing the health impacts of COVID-19.
Reopening: Four-Phase Approach (Mass.gov)
The Massachusetts economy will be reopened using a four-phase approach, based on public health guidance.
Reopening: Mandatory Safety Standards for Workplaces (Mass.gov)
These new standards will apply universally to all workplaces that are open in Phase 1, and are designed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission to employees and customers.
COVID-19 Reopening Control Plan Template (Mass.gov)
"All businesses in the state of MA must develop a written control plan outlining how its workplace will
comply with the mandatory safety standards for operation in the COVID-19 reopening period. This
template may be filled out to meet that requirement."
Compliance Attestation (Mass.gov)
"In order to reopen your business, please complete and sign the following checklist once you have completed your COVID-19 Control Plan template."

Sample Library Reopening Plans

Plan for Phased Resumption of Services for the Public
Brooks Free Library, Harwich

Restoration of Library Services Phasing Plan
Cary Library: Lexington, MA (6/7/20)
A Phased Resumption of Full Services Plan for MV Libraries in Response to COVID-19 Conditions
Martha's Vineyard Library Association (Draft: April 28, 2020)
COVID-19 Phased Reopening Plan
Leominster Public Library (May 8, 2020)
A Phased Reopening Plan
Mattapoisett Free Public Library, Draft: May 7, 2020

Public Libraries Preparing to Reopen: Examples from the Field
OCLC/WebJunction (June 25, 2020): "The examples collected here are focused on public libraries. Examples from additional types of libraries, archives, and museums will be added during Phase 2 (June – October 2020)."

Examples of Library Use by Appointment

Examples of Curbside Delivery

Abington Public Library (MA)
Items placed on table, accepting return of materials
Ayer Library (MA)
Items placed on table under tent in front of library for pick-up by appointment.
Groton Public Library (MA)
Includes curbside delivery online order form
M.N. Spear Memorial Library (Shutesbury, MA)
Items bagged with patron initials on it and placed on a cart, listing of curbside pickup appointment times
Newbury Town Library (MA)
Multiple options for placing a hold on items, appointment required
Watertown Free Public Library (MA)
Includes curbside pickup process for drivers, walkers and bikers

For Academic Libraries

Pandemic Resources for Academic Libraries (ACRL)
The guide features resources for distance education and engagement, free professional development resources, best practices, and up-to-date information from public health officials.
Safe on Campus: A Framework for Reopening Colleges and Universities
Submitted by the Massachusetts Higher Education Working Group to the Governor's Reopening Advisory Group. May 22, 2020

For School Libraries

Reopening Plan PLC
MSLA facilitated a discussion on reopening school libraries in August 2020 designed as a professional learning community (PLC). We discussed a range of reopening topics including materials circulation and quarantining books, socially distanced library services, modifying the space and adapting services to online and hybrid modes. Members bounced ideas off of colleagues. All were welcome. This was flexible, informal, and virtual with111 MSLA members participating. The results of this important work, including sample plans, resources, and a template, are available on this site.

Sample School Reopening Plan
Sample reopening plan for a fictional middle school, created by Jennifer Bayer.
Sample School Reopening Plan - presentation
Presentation version of sample reopening plan, utilizing the MSLA template. Created by Jennifer Bayer

Beverly High School Reopening Plan
Reopening plan for Beverly High School, created by high school librarian, Barbara Fecteau.

For Special Libraries

Plan to Re-open
Howe Library, Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary (Special: Health Sciences Library)

Occupational Safety

Libraries MA-COVID Checklist (Mass.gov)
Social distancing and capacity limits; hygiene protocols; staffing and operations; cleaning and disinfecting
COVID-19 Vaccines (Mass.gov)
Tools to help determine when you are eligible, how to find a vaccination location, and how to prepare for your appointment.
COVID-19 Vaccination Program (Mass.gov)
View the latest updates about COVID-19 vaccine in Massachusetts.
Limiting Workplace Violence Associated with COVID-19 Prevention Policies in Retail and Services Businesses
Centers for Disease Control
CDC Coronavirus Self-Checker
A tool to help you make decisions on when to seek testing and medical care
Reopening: Purchasing Hygienic or Protective Supplies for the Workplace (Mass.gov)
These resources are provided to help inform employers and employees about supplies needed to return to workplaces, and connect businesses with manufacturers and distributors.
COVID-19: Control and Prevention (OSHA/Occupational Health & Safety Administration)
Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility (CDC)
Everyday Steps, Steps When Someone is Sick, and Considerations for Employers
Keeping the Workplace Safe (CDC)
COVID-19 and the ADA (NE ADA Center)
Resources on employment, state and local governments and public accommodations, and education

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Massachusetts Libraries: Reopening Your Library

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