“:The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak is having a global impact, and affecting local communities. Staff in libraries of all types, geographic locations, and sizes are learning the facts about this public health crisis and helping to inform their patrons.

What can libraries do?

• • Review “Pandemic Resources” from the American Library Association which suggests facets to include in library policies that address a health crisis. Prepare your library now for what steps may need to be taken.
    • Also check out the New Jersey State Library publication, “Librarian’s Disaster Planning and Community Resiliency Guidebook.” This resource helps libraries to consider a plan for a disaster response, and much of it can relate to public health crises.
  • Post hand-washing reminders in the library, using the great set of posters from the Centers for Disease Control (available in multiple languages). See also from CDC, Get Your Community- and Faith-Based Organizations Ready for Coronavirus Disease 2019
  • Connect the community to accurate and reliable information. Libraries are sharing resources and information via their websites. The most common resources are links to the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and local/state health department recommendations:
    • Kalamazoo (MI) Public Library, includes information about how the library is responding, such as increased cleaning and preventative measures
    • Lexington (SC) Public Library, features a blog post, recommendations and a robust compilation of local, national and world information
    • North Central (WA) Regional Library, offers tips for staying healthy and reminders on services the library provides that can be accessed without coming into the library building
    • Georgetown University, “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Center,” provides information about preventative actions and updates about the impact on campus life
    • The University of Iowa, “Coronavirus | COVID-19 | Guide to information sources“
    • And remember to speak to all ages! NPR published a helpful cartoon for kids, “Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus“
    • The Indianapolis Public Library created, Book Suggestions & Tips for Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus

• • Host events that help to inform the community. Assuming your local/state health department hasn’t issued recommendations against public gatherings, consider hosting an event to help inform the community about the facts. Reach out to partners such as the health department and see how the library can support accurate dissemination of information. Here are some example events:
    • Skokie (IL) Public Library, “Civic Lab Coronavirus: Distinguishing Fears from Facts.” Description: What is COVID-19 and how is it affecting people and communities across the globe? Explore resources and join discussion on coronavirus (February 26, 2020).
    • Hawaii State Public Library (Hilo), “Emerging Infectious Disease: COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)“. Description: Come learn about what federal, state, and local government actions are in place to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious disease, such as COVID-19, to Hawaii County (March 3, 2020).
    • Attleboro Public Library, “Coronavirus – Get the facts.” Description: The Library will be hosting Attleboro’s Health Department for an information session on the coronavirus (March 25, 2020).

• Inform the public of the library’s efforts. The Seattle Public Library and the King County Library  System are at the epicenter of the US outbreak and are aligning with recommendations from the local health department.

Library-specific resource compilations

Many library organizations have compiled resources and examples for library staff and patrons.

• EveryLibrary, “Resources for Libraries on Coronavirus”
• Library Journal, “What Public Libraries Need to Know About the Coronavirus”
• National Network of Libraries of Medicine, “A Guide to COVID-19 for Public Libraries”
• Super Library Marketing, “How Libraries are Responding to the Coronavirus Threat and How Your Library Can Prep for Any Crisis”
• Urban Libraries Council, “Coronavirus Resources”
• On Facebook, in the group Libraries Step Up (in times of crisis), libraries are sharing their libraries’ responses and resources.

More information about how libraries will deal with the impact of coronavirus will emerge. We will continue to update this list and will be interested in hearing more about how the response to the outbreak evolves and what role libraries will have within their communities.

Image credits: “A Healthy Future is in Your Hands”, CDC; Coronavirus Facts, Malaka Gharib/ NPR