Library associations underscore importance of IMLS COVID-19 efforts

http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2020/04/library-associations-underscore-importance-imls-covid-19-efforts

For Immediate Release
Tue, 04/28/2020

Contact:

Steve Zalusky

Communications Specialist

Communications and Marketing Office

American Library Association

szalusky@ala.org

CHICAGO — The library organizations listed below released the following statement today in response to the new collaboration announced by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to support the nation’s libraries and museums as they consider safe reopening practices in light of COVID-19.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact library service, we stand in support of our nation’s more than 324,000 library leaders, staff, and faculty. Safeguarding the health of library workers and the communities they serve is of the utmost importance, especially as we begin to consider what libraries may look like in a post-COVID world.

“As our focus turns to reopening, we believe strongly that we must develop science-based protocols so that visits to libraries can resume safely for the benefit of patrons, staff and our communities. While there is a need to develop these protocols quickly, we also believe it is essential to be accurate and provide the best possible guidance with the information we have available at the current time.

“We will continue to collaborate with each other and partner with federal and state officials to make sure the unique needs of libraries are addressed.”

Signed by:

  • American Association of Law Libraries
  • American Library Association
  • Association of Academic Health Science Libraries
  • Association of Research Libraries
  • Medical Library Association
  • Special Libraries Association