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NOTICE FOR VISITORS: We would like to inform all visitors that the page is serving as an archive of the activities and resources created by TOPCATS: Taskforce On Post COVID-19 Alignment, Trends and Strategies in New Jersey Libraries during the COVID-19 period. The task force has concluded its active operations, and while the team is no longer updating the page content, it remains accessible for those seeking information and resources related to our efforts during that time. We hope the materials and insights preserved here continue to be valuable to those who visit. Please note that the content reflects the information and circumstances as they were up to the cessation of the task force's active role. Thank you for your understanding and for your interest in the work of the task force. |
The LIBRARY COMMUNITY BANDS TOGETHER TO FORM TASKFORCE ON POST COVID-19 ALIGNMENT, TRENDS AND STRATEGIES (TOPCATS)
On April 16, 2020, the LibraryLinkNJ (LLNJ) Executive Board established a new task force on COVID-19, and charged the task force to explore issues, strategies, and solutions, relative to the reopening of libraries post COVID-19.
The Task Force works in collaboration with the New Jersey State Library (NJSL), the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA), and other pertinent efforts that benefit New Jersey libraries in the post COVID-19 environment.
Ralph Bingham, LLNJ Executive Board member, was nominated to serve as the chair of the new LLNJ Task Force on Post COVID-19 Alignment, Trends, and Strategies.
Areas of inquiry of TOPCATS:
- Coordinated efforts for reopening New Jersey’s libraries
- Needs assessment for providing library services post COVID-19
- Communication Strategies for reopening our libraries
- Staff training for working in a post COVID-19 environment
- Advocacy for the inclusion of libraries in New Jersey’s reopening initiatives
- Framework for New Jersey libraries’ response, recovery, and resilience in the post COVID-19 environment
TOPCATS ROSTER
2020 Task Force Roster Archive
DOCUMENTS
| Best Practices for Reopening New Jersey Libraries Offers recommendations for a phased reopening of libraries in New Jersey, detailing critical considerations for each stage. |
| Best Practices for Implementing a Curbside Service Provides recommended guidelines and procedures for offering curbside pickup service of library materials. |
| Reopening Needs Assessment Survey Report This report summarizes the results of the Reopening Needs Assessment Survey distributed to New Jersey libraries in early May 2020. |
| Effective Library Communication During COVID-19 Tools and tactics NJ libraries can employ to effectively communicate during COVID-19 |
| Sample Library Policy under Covid-19 |
| Be Safe in the Library Signage Sample signage to help your patrons protect themselves and others from COVID-19. |
| May 2020 Status Report |
STATEMENTS & NEWS
| STATEMENT: Access and Equity: Bridging New Jersey’s Digital Divide The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the significant deficits with connectivity and equity of access in New Jersey. For a robust recovery, we must successfully bridge the digital divide for all of New Jersey, especially our most vulnerable residents. |
| STATEMENT: New Jersey Libraries to be Permitted Limited Reopening in NJ Stage 2 On March 21, 2020 Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order 107 which ordered that all libraries be closed to the public. On May 18, 2020 Governor Murphy introduced a phased-in … |
| STATEMENT: Statement from the Policy & Advocacy Work Group Regarding Executive Order 142 Based on the updated New Jersey COVID-19 website, libraries do not appear to be included in Executive Order 142. Library Boards that are considering curbside services should review the TOPCATS Best Practices Guidelines, as … |
| PRESS RELEASE: New Jersey Library Community Forms Task Force on Post COVID-19 Alignment, Trends, and Strategies (TOPCATS) The library community, under the umbrella of LibraryLinkNJ (LLNJ), has come together with representatives from across New Jersey to develop best practices and guidelines for libraries in New Jersey when … |
| ADVOCACY: Governor’s Restart and Recovery Commission Partner Invitation Chairwoman Shirley TilghmanChairman Kenneth FrazierGovernor’s Restart and Recovery Commission Members Dear Chairwoman Tilghman, Chairman Frazier and members of the Commission, As a member of the Governor’s Restart and Recovery Commission … |