Coronavirus and books
May. 14th, 2020 10:13 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
charisstomaDisinfecting Returned Books
In light of the novel coronavirus pandemic, librarians should take precautions when handling library books and other materials returned from patrons. In this SLJ article, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) provide the following information.
A study, published in March 2020 in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that the virus "remained active on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for two to three days under the conditions in this experiment. It remained infectious for up to 24 hours on cardboard."
According to CDC epidemiologists, librarians do not need to worry about disinfecting paper-based items such as books. The virus, if present, would be in very low quantities and die off rather quickly. However, librarians know that patrons sneeze and cough directly onto and into books, so the CDC recommends leaving returned books untouched for a minimum of 24 hours. While disinfecting wipes can damage paper and cardboard, many book covers are coated with plastic and are wipeable with alcohol wipes.
Since the majority of books in FWISD school libraries have plastic coating on their covers or mylar book jackets, Library Media Services recommends that all returned library books be "quarantined" and left untouched for a minimum of three days.
Librarians should utilize their book returns or designate a book truck, table, or container for the collection of returned library books.
Library staff should not handle books to check them in prior to the quarantine period. If the library is set up in such a way that patrons can scan their own book before placing in the designated return location, this is allowable.
After the recommended length of time has passed, library staff may check in and shelve returned library books.
Library staff and volunteers should practice good hygiene after handling books and materials.
In light of the novel coronavirus pandemic, librarians should take precautions when handling library books and other materials returned from patrons. In this SLJ article, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) provide the following information.
A study, published in March 2020 in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that the virus "remained active on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for two to three days under the conditions in this experiment. It remained infectious for up to 24 hours on cardboard."
According to CDC epidemiologists, librarians do not need to worry about disinfecting paper-based items such as books. The virus, if present, would be in very low quantities and die off rather quickly. However, librarians know that patrons sneeze and cough directly onto and into books, so the CDC recommends leaving returned books untouched for a minimum of 24 hours. While disinfecting wipes can damage paper and cardboard, many book covers are coated with plastic and are wipeable with alcohol wipes.
Since the majority of books in FWISD school libraries have plastic coating on their covers or mylar book jackets, Library Media Services recommends that all returned library books be "quarantined" and left untouched for a minimum of three days.
Librarians should utilize their book returns or designate a book truck, table, or container for the collection of returned library books.
Library staff should not handle books to check them in prior to the quarantine period. If the library is set up in such a way that patrons can scan their own book before placing in the designated return location, this is allowable.
After the recommended length of time has passed, library staff may check in and shelve returned library books.
Library staff and volunteers should practice good hygiene after handling books and materials.
