Policies, Procedures & Programming During COVID-19
These guidelines were developed using guidance from The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), American Library Association (ALA), Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). See resource list below.
Policies and Procedures
A hand sanitizing station will be set up at the library entrance.
Masks will be required.
No food or drinks.
Returned books will be quarantined for 3 days before being put out for circulation.
Tables and seating will be cleaned after each use.
The book stacks will be roped off and closed. Browsing for books will not be allowed. The library will be providing concierge service to deliver books to students and teachers. Students can request books through their online library account or by email and books will either be delivered to students or they can be picked up at the library.
No library aides for the 2020-2021 school year to eliminate shared use of the circulation computer.
Very limited student access to the physical space (Some schools have chosen to entirely close their library despite being in a hybrid model). Students must be in the library for either reading or working. Only one student per table. Comfortable seating will be separated or removed to accommodate social distancing. No group work or social gatherings will be allowed.
Students will not be allowed behind the circulation desk.
All shared supplies (staplers, etc.) will no longer be available.
Self checkout station and OPAC (online catalog computer) will be disabled to avoid shared keypad use. Students can use their school issued laptop or phone to look for books.
Programming & Services
Collaborate with teachers to provide online resources to their students.
Curate resources and develop research guides for students to assist with their online research.
Promote e-book collection and personal reading through email newsletters.
Promote online resources.
Offer technology support for teachers and students.
Maintain library website and online resources.
Focus library purchases on digital resources.
Provide concierge service to deliver books. Students can request books through their online library account or by email and books will either be delivered to students at their classes or they can be picked up at the library. If students are completely remote, books can be delivered with their classwork.
Resources
Pandemic Resources for School Librarians (ALA/AASL)
REopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) Project: Virus Life on Circulating Materials