OCLC

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries, archives and museums (LAMs) are seeking authoritative information about how to operate with new public health concerns. As LAMs plan to resume operations and reopen to the public, awareness of emerging information to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission that can be applied to their institutional and community settings is critical. In consultation with a project steering committee and working groups, OCLC will work with Battelle, an organization with both scientific research and public health expertise, to help answer how long the COVID-19 virus can live on certain materials, which can help LAMs determine how to handle collections as they plan for reopening. The goal of this project is to draw upon authoritative scientific research and Battelle laboratory work to produce, widely disseminate, and periodically update science-based information designed to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.

Amendment 2021: $359,300 in additional funds were awarded in 2021 to support a series of online, interactive events that convene LAM representatives and multi-sector subject matter experts to synthesize lessons learned; a crisis management toolkit ; recommendations for follow-on projects and initiatives; an actor map of people, organizations, and partner networks that can lead or support follow-on initiatives; and an evaluation of these activities.