LibGuides: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Massachusetts Libraries: Pandemic Planning

Related resource:

Designing Libraries for a Pandemic

How Indoor Ventilation Systems Can Help Prevent or Permit the Spread of COVID-19
John Hopkins School of Public Health Insights, Interview by Stephanie Desmon. September 29, 2020.
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 (MBLC)
Building Literacy: Public Library Construction
Virus-Responsive Design: In the age of COVID-19, architects merge future-facing innovations with present-day needs
By Lara Ewin. American Libraries, Sept 1, 2020

Pandemic Preparedness

Pandemic Preparedness (ALA)
Pandemics: Library Planning and Responding (Library 2.0)
Drafting Your Disaster Plan (COSTEP)
Blog series on writing – or updating – your disaster plan (August - September 2020)

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)."

Safety Standards and Checklist: Libraries (Mass.gov)
Mandatory reopening safety standards, recommended best practices and a checklist for libraries. Updated: July 6, 2020. Phase 3.
Reopening Guidelines, Roadmap, and Template for Massachusetts Libraries

Sample Library Pandemic Plans

Brooks Free Library (Harwich, MA)
Trustees Statement Regarding Pandemics and Public Health, Natural Disasters and Other Emergencies (8/5/2020)

Lawrence Library (MA)
Pandemic Policy (3/10/2020)
Lawrence Library (MA)
Minimum Staff Requirement Policy (3/10/2020)
Lawrence Library (MA)
Responsibility for Library Operations Policy

Lunenberg Public Library (MA)
Pandemic Policy (April 16, 2020)

Sawyer Free Library (Gloucester, MA)
COVID-19 Safety Plan (approved 8/25/2020)

Westford Public Library (MA)
Proactive Pandemic and Public Health Policy (revised 7/8/19)

Report your library closing

MA Public Libraries -- Please complete the form below (first link). You should resubmit this form each time there is an update in your library operations. You may also contact MBLC with information about library closures, reductions in hours, and program cancelations. See info in left-hand column on this page.

Public View -- COVID-19: MA Public Library Service (MBLC)
"This is the most up to date list of public library closures in Massachusetts and any services that they are still offering to the public. In addition, all Massachusetts residents have access to online and electronic resources through the MBLC Library Portal and your local library. Staff at the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners will be updating this list each morning for the foreseeable future."
NOTE: MLS member libraries can obtain a library view version with additional information by contacting MBLC.
For MA Public Libraries: COVID-19 Library Closures and Services (MBLC)
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners has posted this form to collect information on public library closures and alternative ways that you are providing services to your users. This is another way for you to add or to update the information about your library; it will remain open so that you may return later to report changes. Please consider completing a form even if you have already notified MBLC or MLS about your library's situation.
Public Library Closings
Crowd-sourced document maintained by Michael Sauers and Julie Erickson. View listings/map, and submit your library's info.
Tracking Library responses to COVID-19 crisis
For libraries of all types, international scope. Requires log-in to update info. Responses will appear in libraries.org directory.
Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Keeping Your Hours Current in Online Searches (WebJunction)

Public Libraries and Reduced Operations

Library Hours and COVID-19 (MBLC)
3/12/20 Memo from Mary Rose Quinn, Head of State Programs, MA Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) with guidance for public libraries on closures or reductions in hours.
How to Notify MBLC about Reduced Hours or Closing due to COVID-19 (3/12/20)
Read the memo linked above, then notify Liz Babbitt or Mary Rose Quinn. Also, please contact Liz and Mary Rose with any questions about MA State Aid or statistics.

Minimum Number of Hours Open Per Week
NOTE: Closure due to pandemic would be considered an emergency closure.

From Minimum Standards of Free Public Library Service: "Libraries may close for renovations, emergencies, inclement weather, or for other typical reasons for closure, and still meet the Minimum Hours Open Requirement. However, a library may not close for financial reasons (i.e., closing to save utility costs or to furlough employees). If the library closes for fiscal reasons, the library will lose its certification immediately upon closure."

Operational Procedures

Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, § 19(a)
3/12/20 -- Memo from Governor Baker
Case of Emergencies: Continuity of Operations Planning (NLM DIMRC)
This course defines and describes continuity of operations planning and why it is important for libraries to have a continuity plan in case of emergencies.
Continuity Plan Template (NNLM)
Use this template to draft your plan.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Massachusetts Libraries: Pandemic Planning

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