Best Practices for Reopening New Jersey Libraries

LibraryLinkNJ convened the Taskforce On Post COVID-19 Alignment, Trends and Strategies (TOPCATS) to explore issues, strategies, and solutions, relative to the reopening of libraries post COVID-19. The group includes leadership from the LLNJ cooperative, New Jersey State Library, New Jersey Library Association, New Jersey Library Trustees Association and staff from libraries across the state. The guidelines to opening and operating libraries was developed by the Best Practices Work Group within the task force.

While there are excellent resources available from a variety of organizations, many that offer specific tactics, these recommendations offer general guidance. The work groups’ intent was to craft a set of phased-in recommendations that are adaptable to each library and system. This would allow libraries to make decisions and craft solutions in consultation with their board and other stakeholders and in keeping with directives based on local public health professionals. At their discretion libraries may update and edit policies to reflect new practices.

This is a living document (GoogleDoc) that libraries can download a most up-to-date version. It will continue to be updated, as we gather any suggestions/feedback from the New Jersey Library Community. A reopening needs assessment survey will go out to the primary contacts/voting reps of LibraryLinkNJ member libraries.