2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Last updated: January 15, 2021

Introduction to the Issue: 

RAILS will use this Pulse Page to keep our members informed about the latest developments with COVID-19.

The Latest News

RAILS & RAILS Libraries

Reduction of Quarantine for items in RAILS delivery (updated 10/26/20)

Current Library Reopening Status Survey:

RAILS wants to help members keep up-to-date on other libraries' reopening plans. We will provide a reporting tool and service area map for you to review results and compare peer libraries beginning July 1. If/when your service offerings change, please fill out this form again. Only your most up-to-date information will display in the results.

RAILS Delivery FAQ (updated 10/26/20) and Item Flowchart (updated 10/26/20)

RAILS Plans to Resume Delivery - June 2020 (updated 8/26/20)

RAILS members with delivery questions/concerns can email railsdelivery@railslibraries.info. Send your message from the email address used for your Library Learning (L2) account to have it routed to the correct RAILS service center.

  • RAILS (updated 8/26/20) Guidelines for Libraries Considering Curbside Service and/or Phased Reopening
  • Initial guidance from RAILS' attorney on modified Stay at Home Order. This information is based on limited information that we will update once the final order is released. (4/24/20)
  • The RAILS Burr Ridge service center will be closed until further notice. RAILS staff are working remotely. Find contact information for RAILS staff.

Illinois News

National/International News

What RAILS Is Doing: 

General Information/Guidelines

Surveys/Member Feedback

Discounts/Member Offers & Opportunities

  • PPE and Protective Gear is available to order through Team One. As a federal government contractor, Team One has access to PPE products such as masks, gloves and a very unique kiosk from HP. Pricing and details are outlined in the RAILS Deals and Discounts page.
  • Zoom - RAILS is offering networking groups the opportunity to have their own Zoom meeting license. RAILS has a limited number of licenses that can be used for networking groups that meet on a regular basis. Application for Zoom account.
  • RAILS also offers up to $500 per fiscal year of subsidized conference calling service to established member networking groups.

RAILS Member Updates

RAILS will offer regular member update sessions via Zoom as needed.


RAILS Member Update July 23, 2020, 11:00 a.m. Chat text (unedited) OCLC REALM Project presentation

  • RAILS will also offer other informational and networking events online. See Related Events listing below.
  • RAILS will make recorded versions of these events available on the RAILS YouTube page as possible.

RAILS Events (Upcoming and Recorded)

What Can You Do?: 
  • Share your re-opening plans. Email your plans to us at stacy.palmisano@railslibraries.info.
  • Complete the Essential Actions and Services During COVID-19 survey. See results here.
  • Complete the Virtual Services and Programs survey. See result here.
  • Post library policies related to COVID-19 in the Safety section of the online Library Policies Repository on the RAILS website.
Library Examples: 
More Related Events: 
  • IMLS: Museums and COVID: How to Use the Latest Research to Your Advantage, (12/15/20) (recorded)
  • How Employers Can Support Library Workers Who Are Caregivers During COVID-19 webinar, (9/5/20) 2:30 PM. (recorded)
  • REopening Archives, Libraries and Museums: Materials Testing and Resource Overview (recorded)
  • Impact of COVID-19 to 2020 Census Operations webinar (recorded) (5/28/20)
  • OCLC's Virtual Town Hall: Libraries and the COVID-19 Crisis is now available on YouTube (4/13/20)
  • Institute of Museum and Library Services-Mitigating COVID-19 When Managing Paper-Based, Circulating, and Other Types of Collections, (Recorded)
  • Free Webinars and Training for Academic Library Workers (Jessamyn West)
Other Resources: 

Cleaning/PPE

Health Organizations: CDC/WHO

Library Business/Staffing

Associations

Travel

  • COVID-19 Travel Reporting Policy
  • COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Country

Other

Comments

Add a comment about what your library is doing below (including web pages, special activities, policies, etc.)

Jennifer Drinka replied on

Antioch Public Library District has canceled programs and room reservations from March 13 through March 31 for large groups and vulnerable populations. We will implement social distancing in programs that we do run (i.e. spreading chairs 6' apart) and stop serving refreshments. In addition:

  • Only every other computer will be available in the Computer Lab to promote social distancing.
  • We will not circulate items that are difficult to clean/have a high risk of spreading disease (board books, developmental games, telescopes, GoPro cameras).
  • We will not make homebound deliveries.
  • We have removed shared toys and activities from public areas.
  • We are not charging patrons fines at this time.

Shannon Halikias replied on

The Sugar Grove Library remains open at this time (as a reminder we are always closed on Friday) but has issued a cancellation for all programs, events, and meetings through the end of March. You may view the full press release on our web page or Facebook.

Su Reynders replied on

The Mount Prospect Public Library will be closed March 15, reopening (hopefully!) on Monday March 30.

Laura Van Cleve replied on

Richton Park will be closed starting Monday, March 16th through March 31st.

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