[Libs-Or] H1N1 precautions

Tue Sep 15 11:24:33 PDT 2009

Leah, Jill, and others,

Our list is very similar to yours (I attended the summit too). In addition,
we'll be considering the following procedures that would be implemented if
there were a severe outbreak in the area:

1. Signs posted on the doors explaining that patrons may be asked to leave
if they are exhibiting flu symptoms (I've ordered disposable thermometers to
for temperature checks--not infallible since people can take fever reducers,
of course). We have a big problem with parents sending kids to the library
when they're sick and we're hoping this might give us a way to cope with
that problem.

2. We may hold returned books for a day before reshelving them. I've read
that the virus can survive 4-8 hours on a surface and this would be a way to
keep the virus from being transfered from the books--probably not a big
risk, but it might be comforting to the patrons. After all, lots of people
who are sick at home will have time for reading.

3. We are also working hard to recruit more volunteers and to train
potential paid substitutes (something we've never had) in case of
significant paid staff and volunteer absences.

4. Beyond that... education, education, education!

~Su

-- 
Su Ikeda
Library Director
Creswell Library / Lane Library District
64 West Oregon Avenue
PO Box 366
Creswell, Oregon  97426
(541) 895-3053
This week I’m reading Strand by Bonnie Henderson, and listening to The World
Without End by Ken Follett (read by John Lee).
On Tue, Sep 15, 2009 at 8:44 AM, Jill Poyer <poyerj at ci.mcminnville.or.us>wrote:

>
> Leah, Library supervisors in my library are having a planning meeting on
> Sept. 23rd to finalize our H1N1 business plan. I have been to the Flu
> Summit in Salem and also the local Yamhill Co. meetings. I just came
> back from one this morning. To get on that list contact Sara Bates,
> Yamhill County Preparedness Coordinator 503.434.7525.
> So far our plans potentially include:
>        Sanitizing wipes at Internet and OPAC computers
>        Gloves and masks available to staff if desired
>        Updating our library staff phone lists and protocol for calling
> in sickness.
>        Cross-training personnel to perform library tasks deemed most
> necessary - we have cross trained 3 people into basic circ operations.
>        Making flu information available in the lobby, throughout the
> library and on our website, in English and Spanish - links to CDC and
> www.flu.oregon.gov, etc.
>        Making sure all personnel have a back up plan for their most
> strategic duties.
>        Making sure all volunteers know who to call and where to leave a
> message
>        Stressing the need for staff to stay home when they are sick -
> to self-quarantine and not come back to work until they have been free
> of fever (and fever reducer) for 24 hours.
>        Discussing with the city and payroll about staff that have
> already used up sick leave and would have to go LWOP - can they use
> future SL?
>
> At this point, we are not taking toys out of the children's room, do not
> plan to wash books and do not plan on canceling story hours. We plan to
> stay open and maintain our usual hours. You mentioned some ideas we had
> not thought about and we will consider them. Thanks.
>
>
>
> Jill Poyer
> Library Director
> McMinnville Public Library
> 225 NW Adams Street
> McMinnville, OR 97128
> 503-435-5550
> www.maclibrary.org
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
> [mailto:libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us] On Behalf Of Leah
> Griffith
> Sent: Saturday, September 12, 2009 2:17 PM
> To: libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
> Subject: [Libs-Or] H1N1 precautions
>
>  Hi all,
>
> As we move into fall, our city and library are gearing up for the H1N1
> (swine flu) season.  I would like to ask if people would share what they
> are doing in their libraries, especially if they've found a really good
> product to allow patrons to sanitize keyboards or other surfaces.
>
> Are you taking the toys out of your children's room?
>
> Are you providing hand sanitizer or wipes to those using your public
> computers?
>
> Are your circ staff looking at using gloves at checkin? or checkout?
>
> Are you canceling storytime at any point?
>
> Are you sanitizing books and other materials as they are returned?
>
>
> And with that, everyone wash your hands to the tune of Happy Birthday,
> Twice!
>
> Leah
> **********************************
> Leah M. Griffith, Director
> Newberg Public Library
> 503 E. Hancock Street     Newberg, OR   97132
> P 503-537-1256     F 503-538-9720
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