Youth Services Shout-Out: YSS Blog: We're Re-opening: Wisconsin Public Libraries Reopening Guide

The WI Dept of Public Libraries Division for Libraries and Technology released the highly anticipated reopening guidelines doc on June 2, 2020.

DPI write in the preface: " The Department of Public Instruction (DPI), in collaboration with the Wisconsin public library community, has developed this Reopening Guide containing general information, safety considerations and clarifications, and best practices for local public libraries in Wisconsin to each develop their own plans to safely reopen the library and provide services to their communities. The principles of personal safety, risk mitigation, transparency, and capacity guide the ongoing development and application of this Reopening Guide.

Every community in Wisconsin is unique and all library decisions are made by local library boards. This guide is intended to allow libraries to make the best possible decisions for their communities. Not all libraries will have the ability to offer services at the same level or along the same timeline as other libraries. The safety of library staff and communities is of paramount consideration while evaluating the services offered."

The comprehensive 26 page document covers a wide variety of areas to consider during re-opening. We have pulled out the information of particular concern to youth librarians (programming; collection use; computer use) to share in this post. We highly recommend you read the entire document for further, more nuanced details.

Programming

Remote programming

The safest option for library programming continues to be remote programming-- programming that is conducted without library staff/volunteers and the public in the same physical space at the same time. Examples include:

Grab & Go: It is recommended that disposable materials are provided, and not expected to be returned. Grab & Go materials should also be available via home delivery (if providing) or by post (if possible).
Self-Directed Activities: Activities that encourage reading, learning, and recording activity on one’s own. This may involve using a virtual reading challenge platform, or paper challenge sheets or reading logs that are returned to the library.
Around Town Programming: Programs that can be done independently outside the home, without encouraging social interactions, such as library-created scavenger hunts or library-sponsored StoryWalks.
Offline or Screen-Free Programming: Programs that can be done independently and without internet access. This might include any of the activities listed above, in addition to postal correspondence activities or activities like trivia questions, I Spy posters, or interactive displays in a library window or the door that encourage families to engage in activities on their own. It is recommended to provide some programming that does not rely on internet connection for the sake of equity and desire for limiting screen time.
Virtual Programs: Programs that can be conducted online, streamed live, and/or recorded such as a book club with online meetings, virtual storytime, or streamed performance by a musician.
Community Event Tech Support: Support community meetings or events by hosting via the library’s online meeting platforms, providing technical assistance, and/or supplying equipment, if able.

In-person programming

Providing in-person programming inside the library requires thoughtful consideration by the library about its ability to do so safely. If a library does decide to provide in-person programming, the following criteria should be considered:

The ability to do in-person programming within a library space according to a library’s capacity to do so with social distancing and within the library’s occupancy calculations.
Offer outdoor activities whenever possible, where internal air is not circulating.
Staff training in all aspects of social distancing protocol for themselves and others. Consider how expectations will be communicated to patrons, and how they will be enforced. In particular, be cognizant of how some age groups may have a harder time adhering to rules (e.g. toddlers, teens).
Require registration in numerous formats (phone, email, online form, paper) for the following reasons:

Registration helps communicate safety protocols, including behavior expectations (e.g. smiles and high-fives from afar--no hugging).
Registration helps ensure that capacity is not breached.
Registration helps manage potentially higher than normal program attendance (people might be coming out of the woodwork).
Registration may help with contact tracing, if necessary.

Outreach visits

Libraries may choose to offer outreach visits based on the ability to abide by public health protocols for staff and outreach site patrons. This may involve:

provision of virtual outreach programs, whether streamed live or recorded;
working with administrators of facilities and organizations that work with individuals who need to take extra precautions (i.e. assisted living; daycare centers; shelters) to develop safe service models;
consideration of staff capacity to deliver this service;
and consideration of prioritizing the needs of individuals who need to take extra precautions when planning outreach visits

Facility Concerns

Restricting/Limiting

Limit or remove shared items from common-use areas:

Toys and other manipulatives
Headsets and other shared equipment that are not easily disinfected
Writing utensils, brochures, etc.

Common-use areas (such as lounge areas, meeting rooms, and child play areas) should be closed to the public if it is not possible to ensure proper social distancing. As services expand, consider reducing the number of tables, chairs, couches, etc., or moving them six feet apart.

Collections

When you begin to allow collection browsing, consider placing well-labeled drop-off bins throughout the stacks. Include these items in your materials quarantine process.

Computers

When computers become available to the public, make sure that the seating is spaced out enough to encourage social distancing.
If possible, separate computer workstations with protective barriers. Shower liners are inexpensive and washable.
Allow extra time between bookings for proper sanitation of high touch areas of the computer, keyboard, mouse, and barrier.
Consider disposable keyboard covers that are changed between uses.

Re-Opening Issues YSS blog COVID-19 series:

WI Library Reopening Guide Addendum 4/6/21

The Mask Ask – Strategies for Cooperation 11/15/20

You Are not Alone – Coping with Your New Library Life 9/19/20

Decisions, Decisions – Thinking About Fall, School and Your Library 8/5/20

Back to School Considerations and Tips for Libraries 8/15/20

We’re Re-opening – You’ve Got This! 7/15/20

We’re Re-opening – Should We Do In-Person Programming This Fall? 7/9/20

Digital Bytes – Unpleasant Convos (During a Pandemic) & Communication Tips (While Wearing a Mask) 7/7/20

We’re Re-opening – Wisconsin Public Libraries Reopening Guide 6/4/20

We’re Re-opening – Coping with Reluctant Patrons and Programming 6/3/20

We’re Re-Opening – Cleaning and Disinfecting Youth Areas 5/13/20