Press Release, American Library Association (ALA); ALA Executive Board recommends closing libraries to public
"The American Library Association (ALA) Executive Board released the
following statement in support of libraries and library workers during
the COVID-19 Pandemic:
"The ALA Executive Board unequivocally stands in support of the
safety and well-being of library workers and the communities we serve,"
stated the board. "To protect library workers and their communities from
exposure to COVID-19 in these unprecedented times, we strongly
recommend that academic, public and school library leaders and their
trustees and governing bodies evaluate closing libraries to the public
and only reopening when guidance from public health officials indicates
the risk from COVID-19 has significantly subsided.
"It is very difficult for us to put forward this recommendation.
Libraries pride themselves on being there during critical times for our
communities. We are often the only institutions to remain open during
times of crisis. Service and stewardship to our communities are core to
our profession.
"We have weighed the situation of our country and what has happened
in other countries around the world. The health of our library workers
and the communities we serve is of utmost and equal importance.
Libraries are by design unable to practice social distancing to the
degree recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and
other health authorities. Keeping libraries open at this time has the
potential to harm communities more than help. We underscore the
importance and need to come together in this crisis and commit to
ensuring our libraries, which provide so many important services to our
communities, do not serve as vectors for a fast-moving pandemic.
"Libraries are responding creatively and proactively to this crisis.
School libraries in many states have closed along with schools and many
have plans to provide online classes to students. Public libraries are
making virtual resources available and considering other ways they can
help during the crisis. Academic libraries are providing online services
and access to resources. All libraries are working with their school
administrators, governments, boards, and university administrations to
determine critical services and closures following local directives.
"Additionally, and in alignment with our companion organization, the
ALA Allied Professional Association (APA), we encourage libraries to
ensure that all library workers receive fully paid leave, including
health coverage, while libraries are closed.
"Although closing a library is a local decision, we urge library
administrators, local boards and governments to close library facilities
until such time as library workers and our communities are no longer at
risk of contracting or spreading the COVID-19 coronavirus.
"The ALA Executive Board is committed to supporting our library
workers, ALA members, and the communities we serve during these
challenging and uncertain times."
For more information about ALA resources on COVID-19, visit http://www.ala.org/tools/atoz/pandemic-preparedness
About the American Library Association:
ALA is the foremost national organization providing resources to
inspire library and information professionals to transform their
communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140
years, ALA has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the
profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring
access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org."
Showing posts with label library communities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label library communities. Show all posts
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