Covid-19 Lockdown Carpe Diem Strategy – Libraries

In this period of lockdown, our local libraries are one of the many places that people will be missing.

Apart from the customary range of books and reading materials, our libraries offer many other things like study nooks, computer and internet service, photocopying, and audio-visual or meeting rooms.

Because libraries are public places, it is closed to the public to avoid the spread of Covid-19.

The shutting down of library services allows library managers to think of maintenance and repairs that they need to do.

Looking forward to when the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns will end, library management knows that there would be an influx of people who have missed the library services.

The management will avoid significant disruption of services for conducting maintenance and repairs if they would prudently seize the day when the libraries are closed.

Below are some works that library owners and management would consider doing:

• Review and complete any significant deferred maintenance
• If you can bring forward any capital expenditure that would have disrupted operations of the facility. Do this work now, while everything is closed
• Update any signage and graphics as necessary
• Review and reconfigure reception areas as required to take into account the increased distancing requirements going forward
• Complete any facility painting required
• Undertake inspections and any maintenance of electrical, heating, HVAC, lighting systems
• Have you been considering the installation of LED lighting to save power? The lockdown would be an excellent opportunity to implement a lighting change
• Review your systems and processes – if they need updating now is an excellent time to do that
• Complete a condition inspection of all assets – revise maintenance schedules and maintenance work as necessary following the inspection results
• Complete book condition reviews and follow up actions as required
• Update book stocks, retire old books no longer used as necessary
• One library I know of has been planning to update all shelving and other signage to both English and Maori. The COVID-19 shutdown would be an excellent opportunity to complete that type of project
• Have you been trying to get more material and information online, but haven’t had the time? This period may provide you with that space
• Update your asset inventory/register with any new assets, and any disposed of assets
• Review your seating, desks, workstations – signage and seating policies for the go forward
• If you had been considering a layout or shelving reconfiguration now would be an excellent opportunity to action that
• You will need to undertake a thorough clean and disinfection of your facility before reopening
  • What do you need to complete this?
  • Who do you need to organize?
  • Do you need any additional materials, disinfectants, etc.?
  • Do the planning and get these ordered.
• If any of your parking areas need resurfacing, now is an excellent time to complete that work
• If any of your parking areas need guides and lines repainted, now is an excellent time to finish that work
• If you have grounds and plantings, it is a great time to undertake any required maintenance work on these

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