Chrissy shalom,
Thanks for asking! I had the same questions, and asked my boss to be allowed not to serve patrons at the moment with physical maps. Our library opened just yesterday. We have a small amount of scanned maps and there would be no problem of course to send those to people’s emails or let them study them in one of our computers.
Our collection is partly cataloged in the online catalog, but we have a closed shelf policy so patrons always need the staff to get the maps.
My reason for asking my boss to keep our department closed for service, was that typically handling paper maps by a number of people (me, my student worker, the patron) would make the risk of contagion too great. Books are put in quarantine but I did not see how that could happen with maps.
Just now when I was thinking about it I wondered if we could do something with ordering maps in advance. In that way, the maps are somewhere for 3 days waiting for the patron, and then the patron could put them back somewhere where they would wait another 3 days before we handle them. It might work, though I don’t know yet where the quarantine place would be… The virus allegedly disappears after 3 days or so.
I read somewhere that using latex gloves could be harmful for handling maps, especially since our gloved hands would be less sensitive to the maps, leading to tears etc. I told my student worker to not use gloves and wash his hands instead.
Moreover, I am trying to keep the maps my student worker handles separate from the ones I handle.
I don’t know if I should ask the patrons to wear gloves (since they typically don’t move the maps, though in my latest idea they maybe would?)?
Having a husband who is in a high risk category, I am not overly happy to be back in the library with all kinds of patrons, and my department is set up to be in the same air (partial walls that don’t reach the ceiling) as the general reading room.
I am very interested to hear what other people think!
Krina
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Krina Doekes Brandt | Map Librarian, Librarian for Geography and Urban Studies
Bloomfield Library for the Humanities and Social Sciences
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
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From: Waml <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Chrissy M Klenke
Sent: Friday, 8 May 2020 21:56
To: [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]
Subject: [Waml] Map Libraries & Services - Post Covid-19 Discussion
Hello my map people,
(Apologies for cross-posting - trying to reach as many people for input)
I have been tasked by my library director to come up with policies on how to provide access to the maps and services in the map library, post Covid-19. I have been reading a few things put out by our university but, maps are different than technology and books. I would like to start a discussion about how other map libraries are preparing for this change. What will our services and maintenance look like post-pandemic?
I would like to create a "Suggested Best Practices" document based on this discussion and publish it to the July WAML IB.
Here are some questions off the top of my head: (any other questions or topics are welcome)
* How will you quarantine/sanitize maps, atlases, and verticle files that have been returned and taken out of their drawers/shelves? What kinds of cleaning materials are safe for the map collections?
* How will you provide access to the physical map collection for patrons? What will that look like? Schedule a consultation or reserve time in the library? Paging system for the maps? Close the map library until States release Phases 2,3 or 4? Directional flow like grocery stores?
* How will library staff provide reference services for map users? What will this look like? Will your staff have PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), masks, gloves, other materials?
* The majority of my map collection is not cataloged and diving into the map drawers is the only way to find what patrons need. Patrons can't just simply look in the catalog and request a specific map. As you all know, many patrons don't know what they are looking for, so one-on-one consultations to help guide users (side-by-side) has been our model, but that will have to change. How will this work in this current environment of staying 6 ft. apart?
* For computer labs inside map libraries; Will you purchase/provide keyboard and mouse skins. How will you sanitize them?
* Computers are not six feet apart. Will you close down/remove every other computer? Or will you move your computers around/apart?
I am really interested in hearing what you all are thinking on this topic. I am hoping we can collectively come up with suggested best practices for services, access, and maintenance. Please respond to this email thread or email me off the thread.
Thank you in advance!
Best,
Chrissy Klenke
WAML IB Editor
________________________________________
Per the Governor's directive, our staff is currently working remotely for the safety of our community. During this time, we are conducting all services via email, Zoom, and other digital technologies. The University Libraries continues to provide support for research questions, instruction, resources, online journals and more. I will respond as quickly as possible to your email during normal business hours. Thank you for your patience.
* Frequently Asked Questions related to the transition to online course delivery<https://www.unr.edu/tlt/instructional-preparedness/faq>
* Need virtual support? Visit the Libraries Virtual Support website<https://library.unr.edu/virtual-support> for the help you need.
* Have general questions about the University’s alternate operations? Visit the Updates on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) website<https://www.unr.edu/coronavirus>.
[DeLaMare Science & Engineering Library]
Chrissy Klenke
Earth Sciences, GIS, and Maps Librarian
DeLaMare Science & Engineering Library
University of Nevada, Reno
1664 N. Virginia St.
Reno, NV 89557
Mail stop: 0262
phone: 775.682.7371<tel:775.682.7371>
email: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Schedule an Appointment<https:[log in to unmask]>
________________________________________
Per the Governor's directive, our staff is currently working remotely for the safety of our community. During this time, we are conducting all services via email, Zoom, and other digital technologies. The University Libraries continues to provide support for research questions, instruction, resources, online journals and more. I will respond as quickly as possible to your email during normal business hours. Thank you for your patience.
* Frequently Asked Questions related to the transition to online course delivery<https://www.unr.edu/tlt/instructional-preparedness/faq>
* Need virtual support? Visit the Libraries Virtual Support website<https://library.unr.edu/virtual-support> for the help you need.
* Have general questions about the University’s alternate operations? Visit the Updates on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) website<https://www.unr.edu/coronavirus>.
[DeLaMare Science & Engineering Library]
Chrissy Klenke
Earth Sciences, GIS, and Maps Librarian
DeLaMare Science & Engineering Library
University of Nevada, Reno
1664 N. Virginia St.
Reno, NV 89557
Mail stop: 0262
phone: 775.682.7371<tel:775.682.7371>
email: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Schedule an Appointment<https:[log in to unmask]>