By increasing access to testing, libraries connect their patrons with a valuable resource: the knowledge of whether or not they have COVID-19. Michelle Francis, head of the Ohio Library council, stated: “This is about being a distribution point for a resource that otherwise might not be accessible to certain individuals within our community.” What Francis gets at here is in a way the essence of libraries: we remove barriers to access. The State of Ohio is an example of library systems making rapid testing accessible. According to the Ohio Library Council, since partnering with the Ohio Department of Health in March 2021, libraries have distributed over 2.24 million tests. On January 3, 2022 a branch of the Youngstown and Mahoney County library system took roughly 10 minutes to distribute 4,000 tests.

Nationally, as stated by The Washington Post, “librarians have become the latest front-line workers of the pandemic.” Librarians in Washington D.C. reported lines down the street for testing. Further, public libraries in Boston ran out of tests within just a few days of starting distribution. The president of the Public Library Association, Melanie Huggins, stated: “Most library workers want to be there for their communities. … But with this new surge, we have to balance: Do we have enough staff to open our library safely? That’s the question I hear a lot of libraries talking about.”

If we boil everything down, it comes to this: libraries are at the centers of their respective communities; they are constantly evaluating community needs. Free and open access to COVID-19 home tests is a clear and present need when it comes to community safety.  Libraries seek to fill gaps in community services.

However, we cannot forget that these added services have an effect on library staff as well. Librarians are reporting fatigue and frustration. One D.C. children’s librarian shared: “…it feels like we’ve become too good at our jobs. It becomes, ‘Oh, the library can handle it.’” Interacting with potentially COVID-positive patrons, enforcing masking, and getting medical questions we cannot answer are negatively affecting librarians and library staff. Our mental health is being affected and it is okay to acknowledge that. If you or someone you know needs help, here are some resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line: Text “START” to 741-741
• Mental Health America
• National Alliance on Mental Illness

You are not alone.

The post Public Libraries are Feeling the Impact of the Latest Surges first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

A recent survey of Urban Library Council member libraries by this author showed that indoor activities are coming back strong. Many large library systems across the country are opening up their meeting rooms for staff led events. That being said, there are still lots of concerns. Out of the 66 libraries that responded to the survey, 28 had not started any indoor programming. One library system summed up the hesitancy as follows:

“Our rationale is partly low staffing, definitely that children are not vaccinated yet, and that we are working on getting the tech to succeed at hybrid activities. Our community is surging and the majority of our community are more reticent of in-person activities without a vaccine requirement which we have not enacted.”

Another library noted that they would consider restoring indoor events once the mask mandate is lifted in their community. In lieu of indoor activities, several libraries were offering “grab and go” crafts that could be used in conjunction with virtual activities. Another library system reported that there was “no significant pressure from the public yet to restart inside activities/events.”

One inhibiting factor regarding indoor activities was found in areas that saw a recent COVID-19 surge. As one director stated:

“We think we will begin them in January (original plan was November) … the COVID numbers are still higher now than they were last summer.”

Of the 38 libraries that had restored indoor activities, most resumed over the past summer. However, there is lots of variation among the libraries on the approach. One common choice was to only do activities for age groups eligible for the vaccine. Below is an example of one library’s experience.

“We started resumption of in-person programming with computer classes, and are slowly resuming other programs. We held two cultural events in celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, one indoor and one outdoor this month. Story times and youth programming have not yet returned, as we monitor the Delta surge and access to vaccines for the school age population.”

Another director echoed the concern around children’s activities.

“Indoor programs for age 12 and under, particularly story times will unfortunately remain virtual until the situation improves.”

One director lamented how not having children’s activities changed the atmosphere in the library.

“It is so difficult NOT to have inside Library Learning Times for preschoolers. What a difference all of those visits, and the activity, and the community-building make in the library! We’re eager to resume that kind of activity.”

Another factor these libraries considered in making their decision was whether the public wanted indoor activities. One library responded:

“We’ve noticed that attendance at outdoor and virtual programs are still higher than our in-person ones.”

Many library systems shared that they were doing inside activities at limited attendance, often at 50% room capacity. One director stated that they made changes to the registration process for safety.

“We opened with limited attendance to start and required registration. This isn’t something we’ve done before and some patrons were confused by the process, but staff worked with patrons to help everyone get registered for the correct programs. We’ve expanded our attendance capacity, but are requiring facemasks for indoor programs at this point.”

Libraries offering indoor activities continue to monitor local COVID positivity rates. A surge could change their approach as one director commented.

“We are monitoring local public health announcements, and have a set of circumstances we are watching including criteria for moving back to fully virtual on a week by week basis. So far, we haven’t shifted any in-person events back to virtual.”

Outdoor activities were popular with this survey group, with 62 library systems holding them. This was especially done for children’s activities such as story times. Every library in the survey group was doing virtual activities.

No matter which choice each library made regarding their activities, all agreed that this year has been taxing. One library director summed up the situation frankly.

“Continuing many virtual and one-on-one offerings. Staff are tired and exhausted.”

The post Is COVID-19 Still Preventing Indoor Library Activities? first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Helping to manage expectations and ease anxiety levels is an important role for library supervisors during the pandemic and beyond. This includes both internal and external sources. During periods of transition and disruption, it is crucial to provide a sense of stability to your staff. Sometimes that means being a buffer between outside sources pushing expectations and your staff. Sometimes it means listening to concerns, frustrations and fears. Encourage staff to speak up during meetings because those who do often express things others are also feeling. When anxiety levels are high, help to alleviate the rising stress and be careful not to ignite it further. Be clear with plans but remain flexible when faced with shifting directives from above. Shield the staff from your own frustrations while validating their concerns. Embrace solutions, even when you might have done something another way. Then reflect and realize that these actions ring true not only during a pandemic, but in all other times as well.

We know that our libraries serve an important role in our communities as a physical space to meet, interact, and spend time. We also know that we serve everyone, the mask-wearing or immunized citizen alongside the anti-maskers, the Covid is a hoax believers. Wherever an individual is on that spectrum, it has been an anxious, frustrating time for all of us. As our doors are reopening, we see people coming back having missed our community space. Some are seeking interaction, others are desperate to browse the shelves once again or to head to the children’s area with several kids in tow. Of course, others are more leery, utilizing curbside pickup, if your library is still offering it, or simply waiting to return to public settings at some point in the future.

That missed sense of interaction was expressed by a volunteer recently when I told her it was nice to have her back. She responded pointedly, “The last year and a half has been very lonely.” Other library guests gush about how wonderful it is to be back in the building. Of course, there are frustrations too. Some guests are impatient with the speed in which things are returning to normal. Often their anger is not directed at the library, yet they feel the need to unload that burden on service desk staff anyway. We had one guest express that they realize the library staff member was not responsible, yet she continued to recite her list of grievances anyway. Staff often take on this role of listener and empathizer, but that can affect our own well-being. Some staff members are adept at not allowing this to affect their mood; others are more sensitive and triggered by those negative emotions.  All of us should look to support one another and allow space for those who need to process before they move on. Check in with your staff often.

We need to recognize we are in a time of transition. As much as most of us long for the return to pre-pandemic normalcy, the expectation that this return will be as easy as flipping a switch is incorrect. The current situation differs from community to community and the impacts differ from person to person. Some people have lost family members and friends. Some states lag behind the nation in terms of vaccination rates, leaving many still vulnerable as a new more dangerous variant spreads. This is not the time to rush to get everything back to normal. Many in the community are not ready to return to public spaces. They should not be chastised or judged. Find a way to ease back into a sense of normalcy. Find a transition that makes sense for your community and your staff. For example, our library is continuing with virtual programming through the end of summer and plans to begin offering some in person programs in the fall. 

All of us are in the process of defining what normal has become, what has changed and what we have learned.  For instance, our virtual programs have reached patrons who may need or want to interact from home even after the pandemic ends. Virtual programs appeal to those with limited mobility options or other health concerns. We should consider the feasibility of offering some virtual programs or hybrid options in addition to in-person. When it comes to assessing how the pandemic has changed community expectations, it is probably too early to tell. Be patient and avoid the expectation that the community will all rush back into our public space at the same level as before. It will take time. 

Perhaps the most long lasting knowledge gained from this experience is the need for flexibility and empathy. Rigid thinking and relying on the status quo as an excuse to resist change will leave libraries unprepared for future major disruptions and the resulting shifting needs of our communities. We have no choice but to adapt to conditions beyond our control. Thankfully, it is something the library profession is adept at doing. Help your staff embrace that ambiguity. Listen to them and help alleviate their anxiety. And do the same for yourself. 

The post The Return to Public Spaces: Alleviating Anxiety for Staff, Patrons, and Yourself first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

New York suffered the worst of all major cities when the pandemic began with a total closure of the city and the library system. A year later, NYPL is restoring operations with a Grab and Go service. From their web site: “As part of The New York Public Library’s gradual reopening following our temporary closure due to COVID-19, we are pleased to announce that we are now offering grab-and-go service at select branches across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Grab-and-go locations allow for safe and socially distant use of select onsite services. At all open locations, visitors can pick up requested materials and return items at these open locations while maintaining a safe distance from each other and staff.”

The cautious approach in the northeast is contrasted by a faster restoration in Florida. Duval County in the northeast part of the state dropped its mask ordinance at the end of March, with the Jacksonville Public Library having no facial covering restrictions for the public or staff. Library Director Tim Rogers reported by email, “Our (Library) Board is strongly recommending wearing masks and social distancing, but the Mayor removed the mandates and we were told by our Office of General Counsel that we could not have our own rules. We dropped temp checks and the health questionnaire required of folks entering the buildings. We have not moved to in-person programs. We eliminated the quarantine on materials.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suspended all local COVID restrictions on May 4, including mask mandates. Many counties and municipalities in heavily populated Southeast Florida, such as Palm Beach, quickly implemented policies to require masks in government buildings. Across the state at the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative in Tampa, Library Director Andrew Breidenbaugh reported in an email: “Right now we are still under mask/distancing orders placed on county facilities. All of our libraries are open but some services haven’t returned mostly due to social distancing requirements.” This includes “meeting and study rooms, in-person programs, and high-touch spaces like recording studios and maker spaces.”

In the Midwest, Chicago Public Library reports facilities challenges impeding reopening. According to their web site, four branches remained closed because they are too small for social distancing, while the others “have reduced hours to allow extra time for disinfection and cleaning of communal spaces each day.” Further south the Kansas City Public Library will open all buildings on June 1 to allow the public to retrieve holds, browse, and use the computers. “For more than a year, our team has been working incredibly hard to continue to provide vital services,” says Joel Jones, deputy director for library services. “I’ve been blown away by what we’ve been able to accomplish, but our staff are really excited to welcome patrons back into the library. They miss the smiling faces of so many patrons they have not seen for far too long.”

On the nation’s west coast many library buildings are finally opening to the public. In Los Angeles, which saw record numbers of COVID cases at the beginning of the year, the local situation has calmed down enough for the Los Angeles Public Library to finally open its doors. They shared the following announcement on their web site:  “We are offering select services at 38 libraries across the city. Services may include quick browsing, computer access, pick up of holds and mobile printing orders, checking out of materials inside libraries, and Library To Go outdoor pickup service. Central Library is currently offering Browse & Borrow services in the first floor lobby only.” LA City Librarian John Szabo recently told Spectrum News 1: “We are excited to be starting this new chapter … and we know Angelenos have missed us as much as we have missed them”

King County Library System outside Seattle was one of the first libraries to close its doors on March 13, 2020. Now it is one of the last major systems to restore in-person services. Since June of last year they offered a popular curbside pickup service. According to Director Lisa Rosenblum in an email, “to date almost 1 million physical items checked by curbside.” It was not until March that they were given the go ahead for in person services at almost all of their fifty libraries. Rosenblum reports that, “No staff have become ill due to our strict staff COVID protocols and I am very proud of that.”  She hopes to be back to full service mode this summer, local conditions permitting.

Across Canada the story is not optimistic. Due to a vaccine shortfall and increased community spread, library buildings in major cities remain closed. The Toronto Public Library posted on their web site:  “TPL branches remain open only for contactless holds pick-up and drop-off of library materials at the entrance. All other in-branch services are unavailable at this time. Please check back here for updates.” Edmonton Public Library is in a similar situation, while Vancouver Public Library is offering limited in-person services.

The post COVID-19 Operating Restrictions Ease but Differences Remain first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

The Kenton Library in Erlanger, Kentucky, just across the border from Cincinnati, Ohio, took an interesting approach to help those dealing with grief. One of their new programming librarians, Christian Schmidt, who has ties to the art community and is an artist himself, reached out to artists in Cincinnati and surrounding areas to see if they would be willing to partner with the library to create portraits from photos of loved ones lost to COVID-19. The program was extraordinarily successful.

In round one, twenty artists created 21 portraits. The first six were revealed on Facebook on February 16 and within four hours had reached 4460 viewers and had 1078 individual engagements. The program was held on a first come, first served basis and a call for submissions was put out on social media. Everyone who nominated someone for the program and was chosen was interviewed and able to give as little or as much information as desired. The library really wanted to make sure the patron’s privacy was key. Images of the portraits and the biographical information collected will be saved in the library’s archives.

Dave Schroeder, Executive Director of the library talked about the success of the program. “People saw that the library was taking a very concrete step in reminding people that these individuals we lost are not just numbers. They’re heartbreaking stories in many ways. These were people who had full lives and were participating in the community and we wanted to remember them. Who better than the public library better to lead the charge to remind people those we lost were important to community beyond a number? They were living breathing people who had an impact on our community.”

The program will culminate in a viewing of all the portraits at one of the library’s branches and at that event the portraits will be presented to the families. Each portrait is the artist’s interpretation of the photo. In some cases the artist spoke with family members to get a better idea of the person they were commemorating.

Schroeder remarked they wanted to do portraits because the library wanted the loved ones to have some they could cherish. Something that would be special, that the family could keep and pass down. “The artists came forward and said we want to be part of this. They understand how art can heal,” said Schroeder. The artists are volunteering their time and were given a small stipend for materials. Kenton Library serves 165,000 patrons and has over 200,000 people at programs per year.

The Erie County Public Library in Erie, Pennsylvania saw the toll deaths were taking on its patrons, so it partnered with the Mental Health Association, which already has peer navigators working at the library for social services needs, to present the program “Talking About Grief and Depression.”

Four peer navigators, who have all suffered from grief and depression and are trained to help people going through the same, and one librarian, discussed their struggles with depression and with grief. One of the peer navigators had just lost a close friend to COVID-19 and the program was dedicated to him. The program took place on Facebook Live and lasted for one and a half hours. It had over 1,100 views two weeks after the event. The point was to normalize talking about grief, depression, and seeking help for those struggling with these issues.

Pat Stucke, director of the Mental Health Association, was incredibly pleased that the library had reached out to strengthen their existing partnership and was happy with how well the program was received. One of the best things to come out of the program was people direct-messaged the library asking for information on where they could seek help for dealing with these issues.

Although not new to the library world, several librarians from the ALA Programming Librarian Facebook Page mentioned their libraries have been hosting Death Cafes during COVID-19. Death Café came about in 2010 when John Underwood wanted to normalize talking about death. Underwood was inspired by the writings of Bernard Crettaz and the Death Café was born using Crettaz’s model.

Since 2011, over 12,000 Death Cafés have been held in over 75 countries. To host a Death Café, one needs to register on their website and offer a safe, confidential space to talk about death that is always not-for-profit and where tea, coffee, and good cake is available to help people feel comfortable.

Any library can participate in Death Café to help patrons deal with the loss of loved ones due to COVID-19. Recreating either the Kenton or Erie Library programs are also possibilities. Regardless of what your library does to help patrons deal with tragic loss, as Schroeder said, it is important to remember these patrons are not just numbers, but people who should be remembered.

The post Helping a Community Coping with Loss and Grief first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Professional ethics, as outlined by the American Library Association Code of Ethics, include a duty to “advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.” The purpose of this article is to highlight some issues to be considered when it comes to that pledge. 

Shift Work Impacts Physical and Mental Health

Librarians, especially public librarians, typically do shift work, covering some evenings and weekends, often on a rotating schedule. Even more disruptive to regular eating and sleeping patterns, those shifts tend to be irregular from day to day and week to week. Studies on the effects of shift work have found negative impacts on mental health as well as physical health. The two are often intertwined, such as when disrupted sleep cycles contribute to stress. 

According to research published in European Journal of Neuroscience: “Shift work, defined as work occurring outside typical daytime working hours, is associated with an increased risk of various non‐communicable diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Disruption of the internal circadian timing system and concomitant sleep disturbances is thought to play a critical role in the development of these health problems.” In addition, irregular shifts create difficulty managing care for dependents, which can further increase stress and economic burdens.

The Psychological Impact of Emotional Labor

Even for those fortunate enough to have stable schedules, studies show that jobs requiring a high degree of “emotional labor,” including librarianship, can lead to job-related stress and burnout. Common to the “helping” professions, emotional labor is defined by Oxford Languages as: “the management of one’s emotions in order to present oneself and interact with other people in a certain way while doing a job.” 

A typical day in the public library includes many situations that rise to personal emergency level for customers – a student’s report is due tomorrow, someone with limited computer skills must fill out an online job application, a child is lost, someone needs information about a serious illness. Customers’ problems often become librarians’ problems. Occasionally customers become angry over fines or rules and take their distress out on staff. Good customer service means handling such situations gracefully. A study published in Library & Information Science Research found that the emotional labor reported by all types of librarians was associated with emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and job dissatisfaction, all of which can also impact professional efficacy. 

Harassment and Unwanted Attention 

As Gretchen Corsillo writes in Ending Sexual Harassment at the Public Library, this is an all-too-common occurrence. In many library systems, customer service guidelines specify that information staff should walk a customer to the stacks, find the desired item, remove the item from the shelf and put it in the customer’s hand. The goal of this personal service- as opposed to “it’s over there in 703.5” (pointing), is to ensure the customer isn’t left to wander confusing stacks alone, potentially not finding the item yet too uncomfortable ask for more help. It also enables a deeper reference interview to occur while walking together. Once in a while though, this can be misinterpreted as “this person must be interested in me” or even “s/he is intentionally leading me to a more private space. Here’s my chance!” 

At public service desks, there is little an employee can do to hide from unwanted attention from individuals who have misinterpreted professional care as personal interest… or worse, those who simply enjoy harassing service employees. Library pages, whose shelving work requires them to circulate around public areas, also become targets. The emotional distress of handling unwanted advances or outright harassment can be hazardous to the psychological well-being of employees. In the worst cases, it can even lead to stalking and become a risk to physical safety.

As Katie MacBride writes in #TimesUp on Harassing Your Public Librarian, while many service professions deal with this behavior, libraries are unique in that customers can stay as long as they want: “What if anyone could walk into your workplace, ask you as many questions as they wanted on virtually any subject, from the moment the doors open in the morning until they close at night?” 

Covid-19 and Exposure to Diseases

Librarians are among those who have died of COVID-19 after being exposed as front-line workers. Yet, librarians may not be high on the list to receive vaccines. Librarians were included in the same category with teachers as essential workers to be prioritized for vaccination in the July 2020 CDC AIPC Work Group report. However, the December 2020 CDC AIPC interim guidance does not specifically mention librarians among those prioritized in either Phase 1b or Phase 1c of vaccine distribution.

The very nature of public libraries–open to anyone and full of shared resources–puts their employees at greater risk. Unlike schools, where students are limited to a traceable group, public libraries are accessed by an unlimited variety of visitors. They are full of touchable shared surfaces and materials. While risking their own exposure, library employees are often under the additional stress of having to enforce new rules specific to the pandemic, sometimes to a resistant public.

Recent discussions over COVID-19 risks in libraries have provided an opening for discussing wider health implications of library work. Staff members who are healthier physically and mentally are better able to provide quality public service. Therefore, safer working conditions and fair compensation for employees benefit all.

References
Brown, J.P., Martin, D., Nagaria, Z. et al. Mental Health Consequences of Shift Work: An Updated Review. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2020; 22, 7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-020-1131-z

Corsillo, GK. Ending Sexual Harassment at the Public Library. Public Libraries Online. March 30, 2018.

Kervezee, L, Kosmadopoulos, A, Boivin, DB. Metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of shift work: The role of circadian disruption and sleep disturbances. European Journal of Neuroscience. 2020; 51: 396– 412. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.14216

Mattesona, M, Miller, S. A study of emotional labor in librarianship. Library & Information Science Research. 2013; Volume 35, Issue 1, 54-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2012.07.005

Macbride, K. “#TimesUp on Harassing Your Public Librarian,” Shondaland, January 31, 2018. https://www.shondaland.com/act/a15876574/timesup-on-harassing-your-public-librarian/

Peet, L. IMLS. CDC: On Staff Safety, Handling Paper in COVID-19 Pandemic. Library Journal. April 8, 2020.

The post Health Hazards of Librarianship: Not Just Paper Cuts first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

The public library I work for is in a state that does not have required face masking and so while the library administration places signage requesting facemasks be worn and social distancing be recognized, it is not a requirement to come to the library. The library has been very conscientious about placing yellow feet stickers to show how far apart to stand when waiting in line, removing all tables and chairs, except for computer stations, and removing computers in order to ensure that each computer station is at least six feet apart from each other. The library system hired additional security guards as well as additional cleaning staff to wipe down frequently touched surfaces.  But, despite these precautions, the lack of facemasks or inappropriately worn facemasks coupled with the inhuman expectation that anyone would be able to clean the surfaces fast enough creates an environment where COVID-19 could easily spread. 

Many patrons come to the library without bringing the appropriate gear including reading glasses, pens, pencils, or facemasks. Since facemasks are not required or may seem unnecessary, as the stations are at least six feet away, patron will press their faces close to the screen and/or keyboard in order to see what they are doing on the computer, which can lead to keyboard or computer screen to be contaminated with COVID-19.  It is entirely possible that another patron will be able to sign onto that contaminated device and wind up contaminating their hands, which is likely to contaminate other objects they touch such as wallets, phones, or keys and increase the odds of spreading COVID-19, even if the second individual is wearing a facemask when they are using the library’s services.

Many patrons do not want to come in to pick up a hold and then quickly exit. They want to avoid the heat, do thorough research, or use the computers. By nature of being a public space, the public library is not at low risk of transferring COVID-19 because it is not the materials that pose the risk but the act of sharing said public space. Public libraries are caught in a Catch-22 where their services are low risk for individuals who are able to access the internet from home, but increase the risk for marginalized patrons, who rely on shared public space. A patron who knows how to print or use the copier has low risk from the library, but a patron who is digitally illiterate will need more assistance, either from staff or from other patrons, which increases their exposure to COVID-19.  Public libraries need to realize that their collection is low risk, not their public spaces.       

The post Collections May Be Low Risk but Public Spaces are Not first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Pivoting to online avenues for engaging the public during the pandemic, many archives, libraries and museums launched digital collecting projects. Digital collections enable cultural heritage organizations to gather primary source material about the pandemic in real time, even while buildings are closed, while also giving the community an outlet to express their individual perspectives on this unusual time. 

Local history archives that are part of public library systems tend to have limited staff and resources compared to independent museums. As a librarian at one such archive, I hope my experience with launching a COVID-19 digital collection portal might be useful to others. 

After participating in the Virginia Museum of History and Culture’s project “Share Your Story: Documenting COVID-19 in Virginia,” it occurred to me that our local history archive had a unique role to play in collecting digital material specific to our county. We had an opportunity to capture specifics meaningful to residents: local restaurants delivering take-out food via robot, neighborhood car parades honoring essential employees and graduates, the airport looking barren on what would normally have been a bustling travel day. These images and experiences will be of interest to future generations studying the impact of the pandemic on our county. 

In early April, I proposed to colleagues the idea of using a Google Form to collect stories and digital materials from our community while the building was closed. The deed of gift information and thank-you note could be embedded in the form, negating the need for separate documents. The form would allow typed responses as well as uploaded files: images, video or audio. All agreed, so I drafted the form and it was quickly launched via our website and social media pages and promoted via notices to local media outlets.

The level of interest in the project was greater than anticipated. Within two months there was more than one television segment on the story, as well as coverage in print and online. Items in the digital collection now number in the hundreds and include stories, drawings, photographs, video clips and links to podcasts and blogs. Contributors range from children to senior citizens, teachers to small business owners. By gathering diverse narratives from all demographics within the county, we preserve a fuller record of what has occurred for future generations.

Below are a few tips based on my experience with this project.

Leave it creative and open-ended. People will surprise you with their ingenuity. In a difficult situation, it’s important that people be able to respond in a way that is meaningful to them, whether by typing a few sentences, uploading images, or sharing a link to their blog. By enabling all of these options on the form, we received a maximum variety of contributions. 

Plan in advance for publicity. It’s a good idea to have, if not an official press release, at least a written description of the project ready to draw upon when asked. Often there is short notice to prepare for interviews or articles. Be sure to credit contributors who have elected to receive credit if the material they submitted is shared. (We also have a “keep me anonymous” option on the form.)

Be aware of legal and ethical issues. The Society of American Archivists offers a resource kit: Documenting in Times of Crisis. It’s thorough, covering everything from emotional support to budget, including sample templates and forms. When launching a project quickly in response to crisis, it’s not always possible to foresee all possible issues that could arise, but at least be prepared to sequester sensitive contributions (such as a journal that names other people) until staff can determine how best to handle such items.

Be flexible. The need to adapt as the project develops is likely. As community interest in our project grew, we decided to drop the original June 10 deadline and collect indefinitely. Community experiences in April may be very different from those in June or July, as the situation evolves. We also hadn’t anticipated needing to share items with the public until a later date, but due to interest in the project we began putting samples on our Friends of the Virginia Room Library Facebook page.

Next Steps

The next step is to make the majority of the collection digitally browse-able by the public. Beyond that, I hope to eventually connect our local COVID-19 collection with those of other towns, cities and states around the country for future researchers. Currently we’re investigating Biblioboard Creator for these purposes. Other options for tools to collect, catalog, and enable public access to a digital collection can be found in New York University Library’s Guide to Digital Humanities Tools & Software. For a recent video introducing several different approaches to this type of project, see Collecting in Crisis: Responsive Collecting in a Digital Age by the Maryland Historical Society and partner organizations.

Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed in this article are my own and not meant to reflect those of my employer or any other individual or organization.

The post A Covid-19 Digital Archive first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

In Albany, New York, the capital of the state with the highest infection rate, Albany Public Library (APL) has a six-stage plan in place for its reopening. A guest lecturer at SUNY Albany’s College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity (CEHC), Library Director Scott Jarzombek is uniquely equipped to lead in a time of crisis. By early March, APL already had its closure plan in place, which enabled administrators additional time to plan virtual operations and begin arranging reopening procedures.

The work libraries have done to prove we’re accessible far beyond the four walls of our buildings is demonstrably paying off during this crisis. During the closure, APL staff are staying busy by providing online programming and expanding access to WiFi to bridge the city’s digital divide. “Reopening is not flipping a switch,” Jarzombek explains, “It will be slowly adjusting a dial, and I say adjusting because there will be times we may need to go back to the previous setting. We turn it up and down, slowly, based on data and expertise.”

In a time of overwhelming uncertainty, Jarzombek emphasizes the need to view plans to reopen as works in progress, “We have learned that the situation is fluid and that any plan you make needs to be flexible. There is no quick return to normal because, for some time, normal will not be static. Nothing is set in stone; what life looks like after the final phase is still a question mark. I do think libraries will, at some point in the future, look like they did in February, but only if we, both our organizations and society as a whole, do this right.”

In San Francisco, one of the first cities to issue a shelter-in-place order, all 28 branches of the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) are closed indefinitely and staff are on paid furlough. As employees of the City and County of San Francisco, many library workers are being activated on a regular basis as Disaster Service Workers (DSWs) to perform a variety of functions – food pantry workers, contact tracing, cataloging of government documents, bilingual community outreach, among other assignments. Like APL, SFPL will take an incremental, phased approach to resumption of library services, with preliminary plans focusing on larger branches and equity zones, with an eye towards safety in the form of sneeze guards at public service desks and limited grab & go-style service to begin. “Our institutions will endure,” assures City Librarian Michael Lambert, “but library services will be different.”

Meanwhile, administrators at small libraries face big questions about how to enforce social distancing in spaces designed to be cozy and intimate. Jennifer Bruneau, Director of Massachusetts’ Boylston Public Library, says negotiating physical space is the biggest obstacle in their reopening process. “Before we shut down, we were bursting at the seams with patrons – our door count was increasing, our circulations were way up, and we were posting record attendance numbers at our programs every month.  Our library was recently renovated to maximize the use of space, however it’s still very small. Keeping my staff safe, as well as protecting my community from further spread of COVID-19, is my top priority.  Figuring out how to do that while resuming library services that are so badly needed in our area is going to be a  huge obstacle.”

Bookmobiles may be looking at longer closures than their brick-and-mortar counterparts, simply because mobile outreach and social distancing are fundamentally incompatible. “The very nature of traveling from one point in the community to another makes us a potential vector,” observes Chris Long, Manager of the Community Bookmobile for Frederick County (MD) Libraries, “so it’s going to be tricky.”

Public libraries of all kinds are facing unexpected challenges. Here are some questions for library leaders to consider while building plans to reopen.

When is the best time to reopen?
As we’ve seen from the debate over lifting restrictions on business operations, there is no prevailing consensus on the best time to reopen for business, and there are a multitude of rapidly developing factors at play. Just as most libraries look to local government partners and school districts for cues on weather-related closings, decisions surrounding reopening will necessarily be informed by the actions of other local organizations. Following the guidance of public health officials during this time is paramount, for the safety of staff and the public.

One option is to open library facilities for one essential service on a trial basis. Seattle Public Library, for example, is opening a limited number of its bathrooms for public use while the rest of its services remain on hold. This will enable the library to employ a skeleton crew of facilities and cleaning staff, while encouraging social distancing and still providing an essential service to the public. Opening up for select services, one at a time, also allows libraries to assess what works and what doesn’t in a more controlled environment.

How should services be modified to address the ongoing threat of infection?
If your biggest priority is reopening with minimal modifications to your normal service model, the best way to do that while encouraging social distancing may be to control the number of patrons in the library at a time. Retailers have done this especially well, so it is useful to look to supermarkets and other essential businesses for ideas. Walmart has reduced its capacity to roughly 20%, and other retailers have implemented social distancing markers, shopper limits, and other measures to encourage safe behavior in public.

Circulating materials can contribute to viral transmission because viral particles can survive on surfaces for a range of several hours. CDC epidemiologist David Berendes recommends leaving returned materials untouched for 24 hours, which will allow ample time for the virus to die and reduce the need to disinfect individual books. A one-day quarantine on materials means that loan periods should not be impacted substantially. Staff should continue to use best practices for cleaning and disinfecting circulating materials as a general precaution.

One of the hardest aspects of reopening in the age of social distancing will be the need to discourage patrons and staff from congregating unnecessarily. This may seem counterintuitive, as libraries are traditionally the place to go to kill some time with a good book, but the present situation calls for a temporary shift to a more transactional model. Consider instituting a temporary policy to control loitering, with plans to reassess as the situation develops.

What staffing considerations need to be made as we resume service?Libraries have to prioritize staff and public safety for the foreseeable future. This will undoubtedly impact how libraries are staffed and services provided.

In addition, budget challenges loom on the horizon. Many libraries rely on local government bodies for their funding. With revenues down, those libraries are bracing for future budget cuts and may have to make tough decisions about staffing. Already, some libraries have had to lay off valuable staff, and managers are faced with the task of reopening facilities with a significantly depleted workforce, at a time when it’s almost guaranteed that staff will need to take more sick leave than usual. Some library systems are considering consolidating staff around branches where the need is greatest for the time being, until their regular workforce can be replenished.

Building skill redundancy into your workforce is a great way to ensure resilience in times of crisis. While budget constraints can make it difficult to hire many employees with similar skillsets, making a point to assemble a team with complementary as well as overlapping skills is crucial to avoid fallout when one or more team members is absent or laid off. Additionally, using volunteer workers to supplement the work of paid employees can be useful when anticipating a rise in employee absences due to sick leave.

Make sure staff understand that social distancing practices apply to them as well as the public. Staff should not congregate in the library outside of their scheduled shift. Keeping track of which staff are in the building and when will help facilitate contact tracing in the event a staff member is infected. Some administrators are considering instituting temperature checks as an additional precaution.

What will happen to virtual services after the closure?
Creative programmers from public libraries across the country have developed innovative ways to keep their communities connected while staying apart. From Hip Hop DJ Livestreams to Quaranzines, from online storytimes to dial-a-story to virtual homework help, libraries are expanding remote access to their services and expertise. Acquisitions budgets for physical collections have been reallocated to beef up digital offerings as holds on e-books skyrocket. Remote access to online databases has expanded research capabilities beyond the library walls. Moving forward, libraries will need to weigh several factors in deciding whether to sustain these virtual offerings after regular service resumes.

• Consider the ways in which offering services virtually will expand access for some patron populations, who may not otherwise have access.
• Alternatively, consider the ways in which replacing an in-person service entirely with a virtual alternative could reduce access for patrons who are unable or prefer not to access the library digitally.
• Expanding digital access to some library services will come at an additional cost. Consider whether the library can sustain this additional expense in the long term, or is it only feasible as a temporary measure.
• Some services can easily be offered digitally, such as recording or livestreaming public programs, while others will require substantial staff time (which also constitutes an additional expense).

The Bottom Line
Above all, we must not lose sight of our priorities as a profession, and even with modified service structures, we can still uphold our core values of lifelong learning, equitable information access, and strength in community. In order to do this, we need to acknowledge some difficult new realities:

• Our workforce will inevitably be impacted by this crisis. Keeping library staff members safe will be an ongoing challenge that we must prioritize in order to minimize that impact.
• Students have lost valuable months of in-person schooling. Public libraries must continue to support students, educators, and parents, as we strive to prevent what R. David Lankes describes as “the summer slide [becoming] the pandemic avalanche.”
• A national crisis replete with mass deaths, skyrocketing unemployment, and long-term isolation of individuals in their homes represents a collective trauma. It may be useful to revisit your library’s behavioral policies, keeping in mind that both staff and patrons will be operating at higher stress levels for a time. Learn more about the mental health consequences of COVID-19 and physical distancing here.
• For the time being, libraries will need to strike a delicate balance between the free and open spaces we idealize and the social distancing practices we must enforce. As Jarzombek states, “Leadership will have to reassure everyone that the organization’s goal is to get back to the public library that we all knew and loved, but in the meantime, in order to continue to provide resources in the safest way possible, libraries will be more restrictive than they ever have been. I believe this will create an in-depth philosophical debate in the profession, and we will struggle balancing being responsible and adhering to our core values.“

Additional Resources:
Register here for DEMCO’s May 12 webinar, “COVID-19: Safety Tips for Reopening Your Library”

Learn about the IMLS-led project to develop guidelines for safe reopening and collections management in libraries and cultural institutions here.

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The benefits of regular mindfulness practice are relevant personally and professionally as we continue to live in the upheaval wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are enduring a collective trauma. What does this mean for us physically, physiologically, and mentally? It means that we are operating more from our limbic system – the part of our brain responsible for survival. 

Whether at work or in home life or virtually chatting with friends and family members, we may find that we don’t feel quite like ourselves right now. We may obsessively plan for the future or try to predict what will happen next. We may experience increased physical pain or have trouble sleeping. We may be more easily irritable, set off by seemingly small things we would typically manage with ease. We may feel unable to shake off the blanket of exhaustion. These are all examples of what can happen when we are living in extreme stress. 

The human brain does not like uncertainty or unpredictability because, evolutionarily, such conditions are not conducive to survival. Under stress, our hormone production changes, increasing the amounts of cortisol and adrenaline in our bodies. These hormones come to our aid when we need to react quickly to an immediate danger. But over a sustained period of time, such stress responses meant to keep us safe can negatively impact our physical, emotional, and mental health. 

This is where mindfulness comes in. Will trying one of the practices below immediately transform the experiences of working from home, homeschooling kids, grocery shopping while socially distancing, etc. into a starburst of joy? No. However, by making time to practice being with one object of focus, in the present moment, without reacting to it or trying to change it, we can reduce the hypervigilance of the limbic system and move our body from the overworked stress response into the relaxation response produced by the parasympathetic nervous system. 

These exercises take time to take effect. They must be practiced; we cannot think our way into experiencing the benefits of mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness is not about clearing the mind; thoughts and feelings and sensations and all kinds of distractions will arise because we are human beings with human brains. This is a normal part of practice. Resistance is also normal. It is easy to tell yourself that you don’t have time to practice (even when all your typical things to do are shut down) or that sitting around doing nothing isn’t going to help anything. Remember, though, when you are practicing mindfulness, you are doing something. You are training your brain, much in the same way that physical exercise trains the body. You are training your brain to accept what is, as it is, even if you wish it were different. And that in and of itself can help reduce the negative impacts of extreme stress.

Below are five basic mindfulness practices, with links to freely available guided instructions. 

Breath Meditation. In this practice, the object of awareness is the raw sensation of breathing. It is a great way to begin practicing mindfulness; if we are alive we are breathing and in that way the breath is always available to anchor your practice.

Under Five Minutes: Breathing Meditation from UCLA Health (Also available in Spanish as Meditación Básica) 

Longer Practice: Breathing Meditation by Jack Kornfield from Insight Timer

Body Scan. In this practice, the awareness focuses on physical sensations in the body, often moving through the body from the bottom to the top or vice versa.

Under Five Minutes: Body Scan Meditation from UCLA Health

Longer Practice: The Body Scan from Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World by Mark Williams and Danny Penman

Mindful Movement. The physical sensations of the body are the object of awareness also in moving meditation, but rather than noticing those sensations from a still position, you are invited to notice the sensations (and how they change) with movement, such as walking or stretching.

Under Five Minutes: Walking Meditation by Celestine Fedley available from Insight Timer

Longer Practice: Mindful Movement by Deborah Rana from UC San Diego College of Medicine

Sound Meditation. To practice mindfulness of sound, you are invited to let your awareness be open to all that you hear around you. Some sounds may be pleasant; others, less so. Notice these judgements and (just as you do with any other thoughts and feelings that arise in practice), softly let them go. Keep coming back to hearing what you hear, right now.

Under Five Minutes: Body and Sound Meditation from UCLA Health

Longer Practice: Mindfulness of Sound by Imee Contreras from Insight Timer

Loving-Kindness Meditation. A slightly more complex practice, loving-kindness is a process for cultivating compassion for oneself and for others. It is my personal daily practice right now, as I find that I am often harshly judging myself for what I can or cannot do, what I should or should not feel. Lovingkindness helps us acknowledge, not just in our heads but also in our hearts and bodies, that we are all humans, suffering to some degree, and doing our best to take care of ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Under Five Minutes: Loving-Kindness and Compassion Meditation by Livia Walsh from UC San Diego College of Medicine

Longer Practice: Sending Compassion to the World During the Coronavirus by Kaira Jewel Lingo from Insight Timer

Mindfulness is not a panacea that will make everyone feel better immediately. Nor is it dogma. Think of it as an experiment. Pick a practice, try it for a few days, and notice any impact it has on your life. If it helps, great. If it doesn’t, or if you simply don’t want to try it at this time, let it be. The breath will be there whenever you choose to spend some time noticing it. 

The post Mindfulness in Times of Extreme Stress first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Keep Them Informed

We want our patrons and followers to continue to see us as a source of information, regardless of whether can come to our building. Here are two ways we took our standard in-person programs online.

Twitter Chats Replace Pop-Up Events
When our building is open, we host pop-up events called Civic Lab, which focus on hosting discussions and sharing information about issues facing our community. We’ve translated Civic Lab to Twitter chats, where staff members on Twitter moderate discussions on a specific topic, and share relevant resources for one hour. We use #CivicLabChat, and when sharing resources, we tag creators on Twitter and use pertinent hashtags. Our first #CivicLabChat was called All Genders, and focused on gender identification and pronouns; this was a Civic Lab event previously planned to happen in person in March. We had participants from all over the country participate. Our next #CivicLabChat is about COVID-19 information and misinformation. Here is the link for the #CivicLabChat: All Genders.

Instagram Story Series
We started doing a series of Instagram Stories focused on specific topics that are relevant and of use to our followers. These are loosely based on the Civic Lab model as well, but catered more to Instagram’s slide-based and video-friendly platform. Our first series was about COVID-19, and the second one was about the 2020 Census; a third series that’s in the works will focus on how people can help others in our community during this time. Each series features a mix of slides with text and slides with video, all recorded selfie-style by library staff with their phones or laptops. We’ll often follow video slides with a slide that recaps what was said, since many users watch stories with volume off. These series are saved on our profile’s Story highlights. 

Keep Them Entertained

Many people are inundated with stressful news. We want to give patrons a chance to relax and give their brains a break. 

Spotify Playlists
Music is a great equalizer! We have a lot of music lovers on staff, so the idea to create a playlist of feel good music was a no-brainer. We have a Spotify account that I created a while back, so I created a collaborative playlist, and shared the link with co-workers, who also added songs. Now we, as staff, can listen to it, and I can share it on our social media channels for our followers. Here is the playlist – it’s pretty great!

Instagram Story Templates
We’ve all seen these in some capacity on Instagram. A person posts an Instagram Story that has blank fields, and followers are supposed to take a screenshot, add text above the empty fields, and then share on their stories (ideally tagging the initial creator). This was an idea I’ve had for a while, but had not implemented. Darien Library in Connecticut has done a few, and I thought now was the chance for us to try it. I used a template found on Canva.com (search for “fill in Instagram Story”), added fields for book-related answers, branded it, and shared it in our Instagram Stories. It was a fun way for people to get follower’s minds off of the news, and see what they’re interested in! The template is saved on our profile’s Story highlights.

Online Book Club
Our followers of course love talking about books (and so does our staff). Similar to the library’s Spotify account, I previously set up a Skokie Public Library group on Goodreads, and we now use that as the hub for discussions. Our staff first found 4 books that were available in both eBook and eAudiobook format, and which could be checked out by multiple people at the same time. We then posted polls on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to ask which book people wanted to read; they chose The Good Neighbor by Maxwell King. From there, we decided that the book club would host moderated discussions once a week for one hour, but members could post on our Goodreads page whenever they wish. The book club has more than 20 members, it has increased circulation numbers for the book, and it helps us stay connected with fellow book lovers. Here is our Goodreads group.

Twitter Trivia
Our Digital Collections Librarian created trivia questions based on our digital archives that are shared internally with staff, to give us something fun to do (because we think research is fun!). I thought the questions could serve as perfect content for a Twitter trivia night, which we hosted on a Tuesday night. I used #SkokieTrivia, and posted all questions (10 total) in a single thread. All answers were about Skokie history, and could be found using our digital archives, so it had a nice tie-in to the library’s resources. Here is the Trivia thread.

To make all of these ideas happen, collaboration and communication with co-workers has been crucial. We’re redefining the idea of library programming, teaching each other new technologies, and trying to practice work/life balance at the same time. I have found that creating and sharing a high-level social media calendar with our colleagues has been helpful in getting some semblance of process and priorities. This is a challenging time for libraries, but also an exciting time to try new ideas! Best of luck as you continue to serve your patrons while flattening the curve!

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The post Collaborative Resource Sharing in Difficult Times first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

• A basic chain of command
• Under what circumstances your library might close, and who makes such a decision
• How staff will be compensated during any closures
• What telecommuting looks like for your library, including communication strategies
• How essential functions such as facilities management and payroll can continue in a virtual work environment
• Safety measures for staff and patrons, including emergency supplies to keep on hand in the library building
• Records management and preservation

It remains to be seen how the current crisis will affect libraries and their patrons in the long-term. Although most organizations likely did not have firm plans in place to mitigate this level of disaster at its inception, librarians are by nature creative thinkers who will undoubtedly be able to figure things out as we go. 

Have some thoughts about pandemic planning for libraries, or want to showcase what your library is doing to serve its patrons while being closed? Sound off in the comments. 

The post COVID-19: The Impact on Public Libraries first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

The term “vocational awe” was coined by Fobazi Ettarh in Vocational Awe and Librarianship: The Lies We Tell Ourselves, In the Library with a Lead Pipe, January 2018: “Vocational awe describes the set of ideas, values, and assumptions librarians have about themselves and the profession that result in notions that libraries as institutions are inherently good, sacred notions, and therefore beyond critique.” In a piece that resonated, albeit with some discomfort, among many in the field, Ettarh argued that vocational awe directly correlates with pervasive problems in the profession such as burnout, under-compensation, job creep, and lack of diversity. How can devotion to positive ideals go wrong? Ettarh writes: “In the face of grand missions of literacy and freedom, advocating for your full lunch break feels petty. And tasked with the responsibility of sustaining democracy and intellectual freedom, taking a mental health day feels shameful. Awe is easily weaponized against the worker…”

Serving the community is our mission. But librarians are people too, and also part of the community. Problems for individuals become problems for the profession as a whole when fewer excellent candidates are drawn to or remain in the field. It becomes a problem for public librarianship in particular when the demands of irregular rotating shifts make childcare difficult and increase stress, causing loss of staff to other types of libraries that offer stable schedules.

The decision by many city and county officials to keep libraries open during the start of the pandemic entailed particular risks to public library staff and patrons. The very ideals that public library professionals take pride in– welcoming service to all, the more the merrier- is exactly what exacerbates danger during an infectious disease crisis. Closure of schools and enjoinders to “work from home” during the pandemic meant more people displaced from other institutions would flock to public libraries that remained open, compounding the risk. 

As COVID-19 spread in the US, along with reports of devastation from countries previously affected, library social media sites formerly devoted to enthusiastic sharing of program ideas and reader’s advisory tips became infused with something else: fear and anger. As staff continued to work in libraries visited by hundreds or thousands of people per day, sharing keyboards, touch-screen kiosks, books and toys, many worried for their health and that of loved ones and patrons. Many felt in the dark as to whether or when their libraries would close or limit services. As more did close, those remaining at work in crowded buildings pleaded on social media for others in the field to advocate and sign petitions on their behalf. 

Mirroring those concerns, a piece in The Gothamist about the Brooklyn Public Library remaining open quoted one employee as saying: “I’m a bit worried. It seems to go against what public health officials are saying.” Another was blunt: “I’m so mad. I have kids at home… They don’t care about our health…”

Chicago Public Library kept some branches open until the Governor of Illinois announced a “stay at home” order for the state. The Chicago Tribune quoted Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Alison Arwady stating libraries must remain open to “provide for those who have no other place to go for basic access to the internet or other resources.” A library staff member quoted in the article confessed: “…maybe we are serving too many purposes, maybe there should be other alternatives for our homeless population.” ProPublica Illinios also reported on the situation, quoting a librarian: “The mayor is forcing libraries to be the social safety net of the city… She is relying on us to do what the city is supposed to be doing by providing homeless shelters, mental health institutions, being a day care.”

By remaining open, libraries send a message to the public that it’s safe to come in. “My library was filled with older people… I just wanted to go out and scream, ‘Go home. What are you doing here?’ I knew that if we didn’t make that move to close the building, they would never stop coming. We were, at that point, doing more harm than good,” relayed Jennifer Pearson, director of the Marshall County Memorial Library in Tennessee, quoted in Wired Magazine. On March 17, the ALA Executive Board concurred, recommending that all libraries close during this stage of the pandemic: “Keeping libraries open at this time has the potential to harm communities more than help.”

Not only should we be asking what constitutes a fair burden to place on library staff- but whether the very fact that public libraries provide access to limited resources allows us to make excuses for the fact that so many in our society struggle with underclass status- without access to wireless and internet services, without access to emergency shelter. When it comes to serious widespread issues such as poverty and homelessness, offering public libraries as the panacea can seem like siphoning up the ocean with an eyedropper. The temporary closure of libraries might force us to examine some of the inequities in society and envision more widespread solutions. 

Disclaimer: This article expresses my own opinions and is not intended to reflect those of my employer or any other individual or organization.

The post Resisting “Vocational Awe” During the Pandemic first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Resources
CASEL: The Collaborative Association for Social and Emotional Learning:
https://casel.org/

Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More than IQ by Daniel Goleman
Personal Empathy Quiz from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkley: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/take_quiz/empathy

Katie Scherrer is a former children’s librarian, a Registered Yoga Teacher, and the founder of Stories, Songs, and Stretches!®. She regularly provides private, public, and online training and consulting work on mindfulness, movement, and inclusion nationwide. Find more at www.connectedcommunitiesconsulting.com. 

The post Building a More Empathetic Library Culture first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges for society as a whole, and public libraries across the United States have had a range of responses depending on the needs of their communities and staff. ALA’s Executive Board has recommended that libraries close in the interest of slowing the spread of the virus, and communities across the nation are in various states of lockdown to encourage social distancing. Whether you’re on leave, working remotely, feeling sick or healthier than ever, here are some tips for combating stress during a time when it’s hard to avoid. 

Listen to the Experts

As information professionals, we’re skilled at seeking out the most useful data in any given situation, so listen to your librarian instincts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a great place to start. The CDC provides these tips for managing anxiety and stress as a result of the pandemic. One of the tips that should come naturally to you? Sharing the facts to combat misinformation and undue panic. The World Health Organization also has resources for the public, including tips for coping with stress during the outbreak for adults and children. The American Psychiatric Association provides these mental health tips for coping with disaster.

Remember That You’re Not Alone

The paradox of a pandemic is that while we are all in this together, we must all maintain a safe distance from one another, in order to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus. Since libraries are community gathering spaces, the effects on our profession have been dramatic, and we’ve seen programs cancelled, locations closed, and in-person services made available remotely or digitally. It can be easy, while experiencing social isolation, to forget that we are all going through the same thing, and to experience loneliness. Loneliness is normal, but in excess has been shown to have adverse effects on both mental and physical health. Here are some tips from the Washington Post for preventing loneliness while practicing social distancing.

Make the Most of Technology

It’s important to stay informed, but compulsively refreshing the news app on your smartphone could very well be adding to your stress. Here are some free apps that may help you reduce your stress (and keep your finger off the refresh button).

Calm: The most popular app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation, Calm includes everything from guided meditations to mindfulness classes to stretching exercises to help you keep calm.

Smiling Mind: Created by an Australian nonprofit whose mission is “to help every mind thrive,” Smiling Mind is a daily mindfulness and meditation guide for children and adults.

Breathe2Relax and Tactical Breather: Developed by the Defense Health Agency, these apps are designed to help you regulate your breathing and include breathing exercises to help you manage your physiological response to stressful situations.

Mindfulness Coach: Created by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for PTSD, this app provides a gradual, self-guided training program designed to help you understand and adopt a simple mindfulness practice.

Be a Library User!

If you’re stuck at home and working to conserve resources, there is no better place to find free options — many of which are available digitally — than your public library. From fitness magazines on Flipster to classic folk albums on Hoopla, from your favorite comedian narrating their own memoir on Overdrive to the daily news, public libraries provide an endless array of options for you, whether your goal is to entertain, distract, center, or improve yourself.

Keep Doing What You’re Doing

One of the best ways to maintain calm during times of crisis is to stick to your normal routines. Maintaining an atmosphere of “business as usual” during a crisis is shown to be beneficial for children, who thrive in structured environments, but the same principle can be applied to adults. To whatever extent possible, maintain your regular routines, including everything from getting regular exercise, practicing good sleep hygiene, and doing chores around the house.

If you’re reading this, you’re likely maintaining at least one work routine by keeping up on professional publications. Many youth services librarians are providing comfort and a sense of normalcy to patrons by conducting virtual storytimes. Literacy and education are no less important during times of crisis, so if it helps you cope, keep doing what you do best: providing reading recommendations, connecting friends and family with the information they need, dispelling misinformation, and sharing the joy of literature. 

In the end, this crisis will pass like all things must. Developing good habits for managing stress now can help us when we return to work and apply these habits there. This list from the March/April edition of American Libraries Magazine includes titles like Recipes for Mindfulness in Your Library and Renew Yourself: A Six-Step Plan for More Meaningful Work, so that once you’ve found your balance, you’ll be ready to put it to work. 

Stay well, library friends.

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