COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS & NEW ZEALAND LIS SECTOR

LIANZA has created this online space to support all New Zealand libraries and other organisations to share their strategies in preparation for a potential outbreak of COVID-19.

• If you have any resources that would be useful for your colleagues please send to: officeadmin@lianza.org.nz
• There is no deadline for submissions.
• Resources will be added on this LIANZA webpage as they are made available.
  

SUPPORT FOR MANAGERS
If you are a manager and wish to share information, strategies, actions and ideas with other managers across the library and information sector please indicate your interest and availability here.

This could include discussing strategies such as:

• adjusting face-to-face services to the public;
• limitations on handling of items in libraries;
• measures to ensure safety of staff and users;
• processes for cleaning all items that were returned to the library before making them publicly available;
• strengthening remote access to e-resources;
• promoting home delivery of books;
• measures to disinfect returned items;
• cancelling / postponing public events;
• expanding online services to minimise face-to-face contact; and
• extending loan periods or providing an amnesty on book returns

---

LIANZA EVENTS

​There is currently no advice from the Ministry of Health about altering arrangements for public events (May 16 noon).
We are reviewing all LIANZA events currently including;

• LIANZA Aoraki Weekend, Nelson (May 2-3)
• LIANZA Te Whakakitenga aa Kaimai Weekend School, Gisborne (May 21-23)
• LIANZA CatSIG Professional Development Day, Auckland (May 27)
• LIANZA RES-SIG and TEL-SIG Conference, Wellington (June 29-30).

Please note - this advice will be updated if there is any change in advice from the Ministry of Health.

LIANZA EVENT CANCELLATIONS at March 16, 2020
LIANZA Ikaroa Library Workers Day, Palmerston North, March 18
The decision has been made to cancel this LIANZA community event, in consultation with the LIANZA Ikaroa committee and Palmerston North Library.  We hope that a similar event can be offered later in the year, when it is safe again for community events to be held.
All attendees have been contacted directly to organise refund(s).
 
Facing the Future: Ideas into Action with Dr Matt Finch
May 18 - 19, Wellington and May 25 - 26, Christchurch
The two planned workshops focusing on the ‘future’ have now been cancelled.
LIANZA will work with Matt and Brendan to see what workshops may be offered at a later date, possibly around “resilience and rebounding" to help people manage emerging situations after the pandemic hits its peak.
Matt is offering video-conferenced consulting to support people through these turbulent times.
These will be short sessions in small blocks, to help people steer a course through the present uncertainty.
Go to https://mechanicaldolphin.com/video-coaching-facilitation/ to find out more.
 All attendees have been contacted directly to organise refund(s).

---

RESOURCES

​NZ Government resources:

• https://www.govt.nz/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/
• https://enz.govt.nz/news-and-research/ed-news/covid-19-novel-coronavirus-information-for-students-agents-and-peak-bodies/
• https://www.health.govt.nz/new-zealand-health-system/key-health-sector-organisations-and-people/public-health-units/public-health-unit-contacts

LIANZA Health SIG have provided the following resources

• Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The CDC is a federal public health institute of the United States. It offers current information about:

• symptoms,
• testing, and
• prevention and treatment.

The CDC has frequent updates on new cases in the United States, risk assessments by country, and information for travel and travellers. Helpful sections include posters on how to prevent the spread of the virus within your community and a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) page answering all of your questions.

Children & Families
According to the CDC, there is no evidence or published research that shows that pregnant women or children are more at risk to COVID-19. Find FAQs about COVID-19 and pregnancy, breastfeeding, and COVID-19 and children by clicking on these links. The CDC also provides guides for how to get your household ready to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as posters on handwashing for children and teens.

Mental Health
The terms outbreak, epidemic, global health emergency, and quarantine often can be trigger words for many people creating anxiety, depression, fear, and distrust. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) created a Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks fact sheet that describes common signs of stress , how to recognize when to get help, and advice for coping.

ALA have a list of resources for pandemic preparedness.  

CILIP are advising UK libraries the following:
CILIP Coronavirus Information Service
If your library, information or knowledge service is remaining open

• Consider providing posters sharing current NHS advice on hand hygiene and handwashing
• Provide hand gel or signpost handwashing points for all users and staff
• Provide wipes for keyboards and other shared equipment
• Ensure that offices and public spaces are cleaned regularly and thoroughly

If your library, information or knowledge service is to be fully-closed

• Extend all book loans
• Cancel all events and activities (and notify attendees)
• Notify users that the service has been forced to close on an interim basis
• Encourage users to contact the library via email/online
• Consider whether remote access to services can be provided to minimise disruption
• Keep users and staff regularly updated as the situation develops

If your library, information or knowledge service is closed to users

• Devise a task list for work that staff can complete while the service is closed to the public/users

---