Hi Susan,
Thank you for beginning this conversation. We have not re-opened yet, but we have some ideas that we are considering for disinfecting books when we re-open.
Reserve Books: Due to the quick turnaround on materials in this collection, we are planning to use disinfecting wipes on the covers. I have read that there is low risk for spreading germs through the pages of a book.
Incoming/Returned Materials: We are currently planning to quarantine these items for a few days, perhaps 5 days, based on the fact that COVID-19 can live on hard surfaces for about 3 days and I have read several times now that "the easiest, safest, and most
inexpensive disinfectant is time."
Keeping staff safe: We are hoping to put in an acrylic barrier at our Circulation Desk to divide patrons from staff. We are also planning to implement social distancing, cloth masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and staggered shifts in communal work spaces.
I am very interested in the plans that other libraries have put into action or are under consideration.
Thanks,
Susan Martel
Assistant Professor
Circulation & Reference Librarian
Hardin Valley Campus Library
(865) 539-7047
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10915 Hardin Valley Rd.
Knoxville, TN 37932
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Hi all:
For those of you still circulating and processing returned library items, could you share with all of us what procedures you are doing to ensure materials are disinfected? Also,
any tips about how you are keeping your workers safe as they work with materials returned.
Thank you!
Susan J
Susan L. Jennings
Dean, Library Services
Chattanooga State Community College
4501 Amnicola Hwy
Chattanooga, TN 37406
(w) 423-697-2576
(f) 423-697-2599
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
