COVID-19 and libraries: a quick look at what’s going on

With libraries across Nova Scotia closed due to COVID-19, things in the library world are certainly in a state of flux right now. Libraries are looking at their services, adding new digital resources, and trying to figure out how and when to re-open and how to deliver service to the public. And not just in Nova Scotia. We’ve compiled some links from libraries around the world, as we look at best practises and see how other libraries are handling this pandemic. We hope these resources will be helpful, and if you know of others that we should be aware of, make sure to add a comment!

Re-Opening Resources:

From Australia – the Australian Library and Information Association has developed a checklist for returning to service. It is comprehensive and detailed. 

Manitoba libraries are beginning to reopen. Here’s a link from the Province of Manitoba with guidelines for library and museums reopening.

The New Jersey State Library has a COVID-19 Hub that includes some good resources for what libraries need to consider before reopening and offering services. 

From IFLA, Key resources for libraries responding to COVID-19.

The Ohio Library Council has put together resources for best practises in reopening libraries in their state.

Someone is working on the burning question we all have! Research partnership with Batelle to test library materials.

Free webinar from Emporia State University – Being Trauma Informed for Library Staff , presented by Bryce Kozla.

Webinar from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (US) on managing paper-based material circulation.

CULC Think Tank working on environmental scans and creating reports.

IDEAS:

CFLA – Copyright Guidelines for Online Storytimes

 Christian Lauersen, a Dutch librarian, has collected service ideas from libraries around the world on his blog.

Library Journal Article: Canadian Libraries respond to COVID-19. 

For Youth services, the ALSC blog has some good ideas on providing service.

The Education Institute from The Partnership has several COVID-19 related webinars of interest  (many are FREE to members). 

 

Need a mask? Make it yourself!

Angela, our Vice President, has been making masks, and has a few tips to share.  Angela has been sewing since she was in her teens, so she has a few years of pattern usage under her belt. By far, the easiest pattern she’s tried is this Fu Mask. The medium size fits most faces (fits both Angela and her husband quite well). This pattern uses ties instead of elastic. You can make ties from scrap fabric or even from t-shirts, but if you have elastic and prefer it, you can use that for this pattern as well.  For the more adventurous and advanced sewists, this video takes the Fu mask pattern and adds a nose wire and filter pocket.

If you want to go with the pleated version, this one with ties is the most comfortable one that Angela has made. It also has a filter pocket, so you can add another layer of protection. This pattern is for those who know their way around a sewing machine, though!

What type of fabric? Cotton is best, but not too heavy. Flannel is not recommended, it is hard to breathe through. If you do not have fabric on hand, tea-towels would work, or even a sheet.  You want something you can breathe through, and remember it will be two layers of fabric.

For those who cannot sew at all, here’s an easy mask made from socks!

And once you’ve got a face mask, you’ll want to use it properly. Here’s a video from a doctor, showing how to safely don and doff a mask!

That’s just a dip into the waters. We thought we’d share so that you can stay informed and know that libraries around the world are researching and trying new ways to provide service. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay home when you can!

-Angela Reynolds, VP