Libraries Re-opening

Currently, there are various guidelines for how long to quarantine library materials. The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 mainly spreads from person to person. The coronavirus can live for hours to days on surfaces like countertops and doorknobs. How long it survives depends on the material the surface is made from.

Research is ongoing; however, The New England Journal of Medicine published a study that tested how long the virus can remain stable on different kinds of surfaces. They found that it was still detectable on copper for up to four hours, on cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on plastic and steel for up to 72 hours.

With this in mind, we would suggest a quarantine period of not less than 72 hours for paper and cardboard materials. Depending on the surface, items should be quarantined for the recommended number of days, with plastic items quarantined for seven days.

It is recommended that staff should wear gloves to transport materials into quarantine and to remove them immediately after to avoid transferring the virus to other surfaces. Staff should also wear masks when working with quarantined materials and wash their hands for at least 20 seconds after handling materials, as per government guidelines.

Surfaces such as tabletops, chairs, door handles, book returns, book trolleys, bins, and any other surfaces that have been touched should be disinfected thoroughly between the transfer of materials.

Regular household cleaners are effective, including bleach solutions and alcohol solutions of at least 70% alcohol.

Explore products that will help you provide library services while ensuring patron and staff well-being. Look out for details next week on Gresswell’s comprehensive range of products to assist with preparing spaces for re-opening.

Implement a clear procedure for returning items to the library.

Dedicate specific book trolleys or boxes for quarantined items or place them in bags for the quarantine period. They should be marked clearly and labelled with the date they were placed in quarantine to help track when they can be circulated again.