HomeMy WebLinkAbout05112020 City Council Laydown - Library Report Lft1AoR)4
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Seward,AK 99664
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Seward Community Library&Museum
Special Director's Report
May 8,2020
Alaska State Health Mandate 002 effective 3/17/20 states all libraries, archives and museums shall be
closed to the public until rescinded due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This mandate has been superseded
by Alaska State Health Mandate 016: Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan Phase 2 for Libraries, museums
and archives effective 5/8/2020 and includes Attachment 0—Libraries, Museums,and Archives.
It is still a local decision when and how to we reopen. The Seward Community Library&Museum chooses
to reopen responsibly with the safety of our staff, patrons, visitors and community as our top priority.
Specific guidance for libraries, museums and archives in Phase 2 include limited operations, 25% max
capacity, universal face coverings,6 ft. minimum social distancing,a COVID-19 Mitigation Plan addressing
practices and protocols to protect staff and the public, and other logistical requirements.
We are updating our phased reopening plan and reworking our spaces to incorporate requirements and
recommendations from the State, the CDC and other public health authorities. We will ease into
reopening, starting with non-contact services, as soon as we can establish practices and protocols, and
secure what we need to protect both staff and the public.
We have set a tentative date to begin non-contact services on 5/19/20, depending on staff capacity and
availability of supplies. We will begin sooner if we can safely do so.
Re-opening Goals
► Maintain a healthy and safe community by slowing the spread of COVID19 among staff, patrons
and visitors.
► Maintain a safe and healthy work environment for staff.
► Continue operations and provide services and programs to meet our mission safely and to the
best of our ability.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services(IMLS), a federal agency,joined a research partnership to
develop science based data to inform the safe handling of collections and reopening practices for libraries
and museums.
Libraries and museums across Alaska and the nation continue to make difficult decisions without reliable
data for how to safely modify or provide regular services and reopen. No one wants to contribute to the
spread of COVID-19. No one wants to use precious PPE and disinfecting supplies that healthcare providers
and emergency responders may need. We care too much about our communities and those we serve.
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We understand this is a hard time for everyone; we too miss our patrons, welcoming our visitors and
serving our community. We appreciate your patience as we work out how to provide the safest and best
service possible.
The time we've been closed has been quite busy and productive. I am extremely proud of my team for
stepping up and taking on unique challenges brought about by this unprecedented event during a time
that is also personally stressful and while we are short-staffed! Here are a few highlights:
► Established an accountable and productive work at home plan and routine
► Assist with the City of Seward COVID-19 webpage management
► Ongoing exhibit and window display research and development
► Disaster planning which started before COVID-19, is ongoing and informed by our experience
► Library database cleanup of thousands of records that will improve both staff and patron
experience
► Ongoing processing and cataloging of library materials, including original cataloging
► Plan and produce delightful virtual Story Time programming and a new video channel on Vimeo
► Develop an engaging Virtual Seward Summer Reading Challenge program for all ages
► New partnership with the Seward Boys&Girls Club to provide take home craft kits and used books
► Ongoing development of digital resources, such as the Alaska Digital Library and Niche Academy
► Training to improve reference, collection management, programs, services and reopening plans
► Rearrange our spaces for social distancing and reduce what needs to be handled and disinfected.
Brace yourself, it's pretty bare in here, but we can now safely disinfect our work and public facing
areas. Thank you to our janitors for their help moving furniture!
► Developing a phased reopening plan and procedures throughout our closure
► Support and advocate for other libraries in the state to reopen successfully
► Established temporary public access computer stations in the Community Room (coming soon!)
We still have a lot of work to do to reopen both the museum and the library responsibly and
safely, but we are making progress. Phase 2 requires additional measures that we will be working
on in the next week. Updates for expanding services will be announced in press releases.
I thank City Manager Scott Mezaros for his leadership and support during this challenging time and the
hard decisions that had to be made along the way. It means a lot to me and my team to have a stable and
supportive leader and role model.
We will continue to be available by email and phone, Tues-Sat, 10am-6pm at 907-224-4082 and
libmus@cityofseward.net. I will personally be available by phone and email on Mondays, 10am-6pm.
Please leave a message as we may have stepped away to work in the stacks or on our noncontact service
plans and procedures.
Respectfully,
Valarie Kingsland, MLIS
Museum & Library Director
vkingsland@cityofseward.net
907.224.4008
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