FYI
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From: Michael Dowling
Date: Wed, Jun 24, 2020 at 2:26 AM
Subject: [IFLA-L] U.S. Study on COVID 19 Virus on Library Materials
To: ifla-l@iflalists.org
Research Shows Virus Undetectable on Five Highly Circulated Library
Materials After Three Days
https://www.imls.gov/news/research-shows-virus-undetectable-five-highly-circ...
June 22, 2020 (from the Institute of Museum and Library Services)
Washington, DC—In the first phase of a project to disseminate and
develop science-based information about how materials can be handled
to mitigate exposure to staff and visitors, scientists have found that
the virus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 is not detectable on five
common library materials after three days.
The findings are part of the REopening Archives, Libraries, and
Museums (REALM) Project
(https://www.webjunction.org/explore-topics/COVID-19-research-project.html)
designed to generate scientific information to support the handling of
core museum, library, and archival materials as these institutions
begin to resume operations and reopen to the public. The first phase
of the research is focusing on commonly found and frequently handled
materials, especially in U.S. public libraries.
Over the past few weeks, scientists at Battelle tested the virus on a
variety of surfaces, in environments with standard temperature and
relative humidity conditions typically found in air-conditioned office
space. Materials tested in phase one included the cover of hardcover
books (buckram cloth), the cover of softback books, plain paper pages
inside a closed book, mylar protective book cover jackets, and plastic
DVD cases. Battelle tests found the virus undetectable after one day
on the covers of hardback and softback books as well as the DVD case.
The virus was undetectable on the paper inside of a book and mylar
book jackets after three days. “It’s below the limit of detection on
our viability assay,” said Battelle Principal Research Scientist Will
Richter.
Lab testing of physical items followed literature reviews conducted by
Battelle to help define the scope of the project’s research and the
information needs of libraries, archives, and museums. Last week, the
REALM Project released “Systematic Literature Review of SARS-CoV-2:
Spread, Environmental Attenuation, Prevention, and Decontamination,”
prepared by Battelle. This is an in-depth review of published
literature on virus transmission, attenuation, and decontamination
methods that can inform discussion and decisions about operations in
archives, libraries, and museums.
“Scientific research is essential to answer questions about the spread
of the coronavirus on materials that are ever-present in our nation’s
libraries, archives, and museums,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper.
“We recognized the need to test specific items and surfaces as these
organizations are now reopening, asking: How can we mitigate risk to
staff? How should patrons and visitors handle books, touchable
exhibits, or DVD cases? Our aim was to equip America's libraries,
archives, and museums with information to help them do what they do
best: continue serving their communities. I am so pleased and hopeful
that this critical work will be reaching the people who need it."
“Results from this ongoing research project will help libraries,
archives and museums plan with greater confidence at a difficult
time,” said Skip Prichard, OCLC President and CEO. “Although there are
various sources of general information about handling materials in the
time of COVID-19, this project is designed specifically to test
materials and provide useful science-based information to these
institutions. Equipped with this critical information, they will be
better able to determine measures they can take to mitigate exposure
to staff and the communities they serve.”
“Any library worker would agree that people make good decisions when
their decisions are based on facts and evidence,” said Nate Hill,
Executive Director, Metropolitan New York Library Council and member
of the REALM Project Steering Committee. “The output of the REALM
Project, both the systematic literature review and the lab test
results, give library workers the information they need to make
practical, informed decisions as they reopen their spaces and resume
their services.”
Battelle will be initiating lab testing on an additional five
materials this month, with results expected by the end of July.
Examples of public library reopening plans are being collected,
curated, and shared to the website this week. The research reports
will inform development of toolkit resources, content, and programming
that will help translate the findings for real-world applications in
museums, libraries, and archives.
“As museums across the country draft their reopening plans, we know
that our exhibitions and galleries contain a vast variety of materials
that are not addressed in state and federal public health guidelines,”
said Carole Charnow, President and Chief Executive Officer, Boston
Children's Museum and member of the REALM Operations Working Group.
“Therefore, we need up to date, science-based information specific to
museums. For those of us that are hands-on, interactive institutions,
this is especially critical. The REALM Project is providing the
invaluable evidence-based information museum professionals need in
order to ensure the highest possible standards of safety for our staff
and visitors.”
The REALM Project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library
Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal funding for museums and
libraries; and OCLC, a nonprofit library technology and research
organization; in partnership with Battelle, a not-for-profit global
scientific research and development organization.
Project updates are posted at oclc/realm-project as they become
available. Those interested can also sign up through the project
website to receive timely email updates when new information is
released.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of
federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance,
support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related
organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development.
Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to
transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more,
visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About Battelle
Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to
solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national
laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and
development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical
services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in
Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the
national security, health and life sciences, and energy and
environmental industries. For more information, visit
www.battelle.org.
About OCLC
OCLC is a nonprofit global library cooperative providing shared
technology services, original research and community programs so that
libraries can better fuel learning, research and innovation. Through
OCLC, member libraries cooperatively produce and maintain WorldCat, a
comprehensive global network of data about library collections and
services. Libraries gain efficiencies through OCLC’s WorldShare, a
complete set of library management applications and services built on
an open, cloud-based platform. It is through collaboration and sharing
of the world’s collected knowledge that libraries can help people find
answers they need to solve problems. Together as OCLC, member
libraries, staff and partners make breakthroughs possible.
Media Contacts:
IMLS: Erica Jaros at ejaros@imls.gov or (202) 330-7864
OCLC: Bob Murphy at murphyb@oclc.org or (614) 761-5136
Battelle: T.R. Massey at masseytr@battelle.org or (614) 424-5544;
(614) 202-7553 mobile
Michael Dowling
Director
International and Chapter Relations Offices
American Library Association
225 N Michigan Ave
Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60601
p +1 800-545-2433 ext 3200
http://www.ala.org/iro
