Books, magazines, videos, and other materials remain among the most popular and recognizable of library services. But as public health officials continue to research and learn about virus transmission, there are understandable concerns for library materials handling.
Reopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) Information Hub: A COVID-19 Research Project
OCLC, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle are currently conducting research on how long the COVID-19 virus survives on materials that are prevalent in libraries, archives, and museums. The project will draw upon the research to produce authoritative, science-based information on how—or if— materials can be handled to mitigate exposure to staff and visitors.
-
Test 1 Results Released for Commonly Circulated Library Materials
-
Test 4 Results Announced for Talking Book Five Materials Common to Archives, Libraries, and Museums
American Libraries Magazine - How to Sanitize Collections in a Pandemic
Guided by advice from conservation and preservation specialists, libraries are advised to isolate materials as the most available means of disinfecting; invest in cleaning and sanitizing hard surfaces in the library; and exercise caution when using cleaning solvents on books and other potentially fragile library materials. March 27, 2020.
Association for Library Collections and Technical Services - Handling Library Materials and Collections During a Pandemic
The Association for Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS) has prepared a resource to guide libraries through the handling of library materials and collections, including the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC)'s recommendations for disinfecting books and other materials and the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) guidance for disinfecting cultural resources.