Providing Library Service During the Pandemic
What Are IHLS Libraries Doing Now?
View the data and add your library's status to this helpful tool. Most recent timeframe surveyed: Dec. 3-10, 2020.
Historical data included on subsequent tabs within the document.
Staffing/Human Resources
Sample Employee Policies
Staff Continuing Education
Continuing education is a great option for paid library staff who cannot work from home. Check out our searchable and filterable database of Continuing Education for Library Staff. You can also submit new resources.
developed by IHLS and contributors
An additional database, COVID-19 Webinars database, is still accessible but no longer supported.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Sourcing PPE
Team One PPE Order Page for IHLS, RAILS, and ILA Members - As a federal government contractor, Team One can provide Personal Protection Equipment such as masks, gloves, and clear acrylic shields. They have created a dedicated webpage for IHLS, RAILS, and ILA members ordering PPE products. Stock levels are impacted by demand, and out-of-stocks are indicated on the Team One webpage. Team One will fulfill orders on a FIFO basis. For further info and questions contact the sales and customer service team at library@teamonerepair.com.
PPE Use for Library Staff Webinar
Guidance on Materials Handling, Social Distancing, & Curbside
Please see our Government Mandates and Guidance page for a list of relevant executive orders and guidance from IHLS and RAILS attorneys.
- REALM Project: REopening Archives, Libraries & Museums: A COVID-19 Research Project - "OCLC, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle are working to create and distribute science-based information and best recommended practices designed to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to staff and visitors who are engaging in the delivery or use of museum, library, and archival services. This research collaboration will provide information on how long the virus survives on surfaces and how—or if—materials can be handled to mitigate exposure."
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Official, evolving guidance by the CDC, including preparing workplaces for an outbreak, reducing transmission among employees, maintaining healthy business operations, maintaining a healthy work environment, and a summary of recent changes to the CDC's guidelines
- Curbside Delivery and Reopening Considerations (RAILS) - A fantastic guide that includes questions that need to be considered and answered by libraries considering and planning curbside services during the pandemic
- IDEA FILE: Phased Reopenings and Virtual Services (Ongoing, IHLS) - An open idea file by IHLS and contributors. See what others are thinking about doing and add your own ideas to the list.
- More
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Colorado Library Consortium: Returning to Service – Libraries and COVID-19
MOBIUS's COVID-19 Library Reopening & Resource Sharing/Courier Safety Concerns - A summary of best practices conversations by MOBIUS and other consortia.
CDC's Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes - "This guidance is intended for all Americans, whether you own a business, run a school, or want to ensure the cleanliness and safety of your home."IMLS, CDC Offer Guidance for Disinfecting Returned Library Books - (4/9/2020) article by School Library Journal
How to Sanitize Collections in a Pandemic - (3/27/2020) "Conservators weigh in on the mysteries of materials handling during COVID-19" in this article by American Libraries Magazine
COVID-19 Basics: Disinfecting Cultural Resources - A video by the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) sharing the basics of cleaning and handling cultural resource materials
Disinfecting Books and Other Collections - Evolving guidance from the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NDCC) as to disinfecting books, "based on the current research available from the medical and scientific communities regarding COVID-19"
Recommendations for Library Services During The Covid-19 Pandemic (April 2020, Regents Public Library Advisory Council) - Guidance about reopening that includes a template Pandemic Service and Staffing Plan
Missouri Libraries Reopening Guidelines (April 2020, Missouri State Library)
Getting ahead of the next stage of the coronavirus crisis (April 2020, McKinsey & Company)
Public Library Reopening/Operation Plans
IDEA FILE: Idease for Phased Reopenings and Virtual Services
Illinois Library Reopening/Pandemic Plans
The following reopening/pandemic operation plans were provided by libraries to be shared with other libraries:
- Bethalto Public Library District Reopening Plans, Bethalto, Ill. (submitted 5/18/20)
- Caseyville Public Library District Graduated Service Levels, Caseyville, Ill. (submitted 5/20/20)
- Catlin Public Library District Return to Services, Catlin, Ill. (submitted 5-21-20)
- Charleston Carnegie Public Library Reopen Plan - DRAFT, Charleston, Ill. (submitted 5/20/20)
- Chatham Area Public Library District Reopening Plan - DRAFT, Chatham, Ill. (submitted 5/14/20)
- Flora Public Library, Library Services Reopening Matrix - DRAFT, Flora, Ill. (submitted 5/14/20)
- Glen Carbon Centennial Library Public Health Policy and Plan - DRAFT, Glen Carbon, Ill. (submitted 5/14/20)
- Hillsboro Area Public Library District Reopening Phased Plans, Hillsboro, Ill. (submitted 5/21/20)
- Marrowbone Public Library District - DRAFT, Bethany, Ill. (submitted 5/15/20)
- Sallie Logan Public Library Reopening Plan - DRAFT, Murphysboro, Ill. (submitted 5/14/20)
- Stinson Memorial Public Library District Phased Reopening on Main Building - DRAFT, Anna, Ill. (submitted 5-21-20)
- Vespasian Warner Public Library Reopening Matrix, Clinton, Ill. (submitted 5/14/20)
- Vernon Area Public Library District Closing Plan, Lincolnshire, Ill. (submitted 03/20)
- Nationwide Plans
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Montana State Library Individual Library Plans:
Wyoming State LIbrary Individual Library Plans:
Indiana Library Federation: Plan Outline in Phases from Library Closure to Reopening
Recommendations for Library Services During The Covid-19 Pandemic (April 2020, Regents Public Library Advisory Council) - Guidance about reopening that Includes a template Pandemic Service and Staffing Plan
New Mexico State Library Sample Phased Reopening Plan
Utah Libraries Plan for Moving Towards Full Service
Library Funding
State Library Awards IHLS $125K for E-Resource Purchases for Members (11/23/20, IHLS) - The Illinois Secretary of State (IL SOS)/Illinois State Library (ISL) awarded IHLS $125,000 for the purchase of e-resources for members. The grant funds will allow IHLS to purchase ebooks and e-audiobooks for users of the SHARE cloudLibrary, one of the largest and most heavily utilized digital collections in the state. Users of Axis 360, another large, system-managed digital library, will also see more resources.
New ISL Grants Announced--Apply Now! - A series of grants available to Illinois system-member libraries for books, PPE, and digital network access--two of which are available due to CARES Act Funding
IHLS Grants page - A collection of time-limited and ongoing grand opportunities by the Illinois State Library, American Library Association, and more
Network of the National Library of Medicine Funding Opportunities - A collection of funding opportunities by the NNLM and other organizations
$15 Million in IMLS CARES Act Grants Now Available for Museum and Library Services (5/8/20, IMLS) - Applications for Pandemic Response Funding Due June 12, 2020
IMLS Announces New Stimulus Funding for Communities Across America (4/13/20, IMLS) - $30 Million Infusion to Provide Emergency Relief Through State Libraries
Federal Government Invests $50M in Museums, Libraries to Address Digital Divide During COVID-19 (3/27/20) - CARES Act Designates Funds to Expand Local Internet and Technology Access
FEMA Public Assistance: Local, State, Tribal and Private Non-Profit - "The purpose of the Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program is to support communities’ recovery from major disasters by providing them with grant assistance for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure. Local governments, states, tribes, territories and certain private nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply."
Information from IEMA regarding Public Assistance (PA) opportunities relating to COVID-19 - (3/31/20) Received by the Illinois Library Association via the Illinois State Library on 3/31/2020
ILA Legal, Financial, and Library Board Governance Resources - "President Trump declared the FEMA-4489-DR-IL major disaster declaration for Illinois on March 26, 2020, as a result of COVID-19 pandemic response that started January 20, 2020 and is continuing. FEMA has designated all counties in Illinois as eligible for funding under Public Assistance (PA) Program, Category B – Emergency Protective Measures. If an eligible organization has or may have at least $3,300 in eligible extraordinary uninsured Category B – Emergency Protective Measure costs, the organization should submit a FEMA Request for Public Assistance (RPA) form to IEMA."
Communication Tools
Sample Library COVID-19 Response Pages
As libraries develop their COVID-19 response pages, here are a few examples for modeling or for inspiration.
Six Mile Regional Library District
Schaumburg Township Public Library District (RAILS member)
COVID-19 Template Collections
CDC's COVID-19 Social Media Toolkit
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Communication Toolkit
Canva Coronavirus Awareness Collection
Venngage COVID-19 Templates To Communicate Effectively and Make an Impact
PosterMyWall Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus with Free Resources
Individual Customizable Tools
- Sample Social Media Posts by IHLS
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IHLS Resources for Illinois (and All) Libraries
TO DOWNLOAD AN IMAGE
- FROM AN IPHONE/IPAD: Tap-hold image >> tap Save Image
- FROM AN ANDROID DEVICE: Tap-hold image >> tap Download Image
- MAC PC: Control-click image >> tap Save Image As
- WINDOWS PC: Right-click image >> tap Save Image As...
TO COPY TEXT:
- FROM AN IPHONE/IPAD: Tap-hold to highlight part of the text, then drag selection markers to highlight text >> click Copy icon OR Tap-hold to highlight part of the text, then drag selection markers to highlight text >> click Copy from menu
- FROM AN ANDROID DEVICE: Tap-hold to highlight part of the text, then drag selection markers to highlight text >> tap Copy
- MAC PC: Click-drag cursor to highlight desired text >> Right-click highlighted text >> COMMAND+C
- WINDOWS PC: Click-drag cursor to highlight desired text >> Right-click highlighted text >> Copy OR Click-drag cursor to highlight desired text >> Right-click highlighted text >> CTRL+C
...then paste the text into your social media post.
- IMAGE ALT TEXT:
Woman with forlorn expression covered in books. Can't place interlibrary loan holds or pick up library materials? Don't despair. Check out your library's digital branch! Logo 1: SHARE: Sharing Heartland's Available Resources Equally. Logo 2: IHLS: Illinois Heartland Library System. Together providing resource sharing, interlibrary delivery, and other services for the libraries of central and southern Illinois.
- POST TEXT 1:
Looking for e-books or e-audiobooks? If you have a [library name] library card, you can instantly access hundreds of titles through [Hoopla, cloudLibrary, Libby, rbDigital, Kanopy, TumbleBooks, etc.]. Learn more by visiting the [library] virtual branch at [link]
- POST TEXT 2:
You may not be able to place holds on items from other libraries - nope, they don't save - but you CAN place holds on items at your library, which will be processed whenever libraries reopen and @Illinois Heartland Library System delivery services resume. Meanwhile, check your library's website to see all of the e-books, e-audios, and movies that may be available at your library!
- IMAGE ALT TEXT:
12 Ready-to-Print & Ready-to-Color Designs for Social Distancing Scavenger Hunts. Images of two hearts that say "We got this!", two teddy bears, and two hearts that say, "Smile." Of each pair, one is black and white like a coloring page and the other is full-color. Brought to you by IHLS Illinois Heartland Library System and Your Library.
- POST TEXT 1:
Want to promote #SocialDistancing AND physical activity this weekend? Join the Heart Hunters and Bear Hunters movement with these 12 Ready-to-Print and Ready-to-Color Designs from @Illinois Heartland Library System and YOUR LIBRARY https://www.illinoisheartland.org/blog/040320SocialDistancingScavengerHunts
- Alternatively, put the links on your library's site and use your own link!
Patron Resources
E-Resources & Virtual Programming
developed by IHLS and contributors
Amazing Educational Resources - Database of education companies offering free subscriptions due to school closings
5 Remote Services Libraries Can Provide - Another library (source unknown, unfortunately!) created a list of remote services your library can provide.
Resources for Patrons - Looking to expand e-resources? View our searchable and filterable database of Resources for Patrons. Many of the resources are discounted or free while schools are not in session and workers are at home due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
SLJ COVID-19 Publisher Information Directory - Virtual read alouds: what's legal under copyright? This directory is a compilation of children's publishers that have temporarily altered policies.
Health & Human Services
Illinois Department of Human Services - find help regarding food, shelter, help at home, medical, recovery, and emotional/mental health
Economic
Illinois Department of Employment Security, 1-800-244-5631
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Mental Health
Call 4 Calm - Call 4 Calm is a free emotional-support text line where you can speak with a mental health professional. Text “TALK” (English) or "HABLAR" (Spanish) to 552020.
Domestic Violence Helpline - 1-877-863-6338
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255
Illinois Suicide Prevention Hotlines - Suicide prevention hotlines by Illinois county
Temporary Discounted or Free Internet Access
Comcast and Xfinity Internet - 60 days free "Internet Essentials" service for new customers
Xfinity Wi-Fi Hotspot Access - Free Wi-Fi hotspot access for all at all existing business hotspot locations; find one using their interactive map
Charter Spectrum Internet - 60 days free Internet access for new K-12 and college student households
ARTICLE: American Library Association recommends libraries leave WiFi open during closures
Resource Pages by Library Organizations
IFLA COVID-19 and the Global Library Field (Spanish) - COVID-19 response examples and insights from around the world, curated by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
ILA Coronavirus Resources - Resources for libraries of all types; includes a timeline of state and federal COVID-19-related mandates
U.S. Dept. of Education COVID-19 Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel - Featuring educator-centric administrative resources plus learning resources that can be used by educators including parents/guardians
AASL Pandemic Resources for School Librarians - Access free resources via the AASL Learning Library, free vendor resources for online instruction/activities, and more
DISCLAIMER: Illinois Heartland Library System does not offer medical or legal advice. Please check with your medical or legal professional before making any health or law-related decisions.
