Recording of Sept 8 Meeting and Recap – REALM and Van Delivery

The recording of the September 8 Statewide Zoom has been posted at the coronavirus website<https://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/services/Coronavirus.htm> in the column on the right and is pasted below for ease of access.
Coronavirus Conversation<https://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/services/zoom_Sept8.mp4> (September 8, 2020) Chat Text<https://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/services/meeting_saved_chat-9-8.txt>

Discussion of REALM – Test 4<https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/test4-results.html> results:
“Results show that after six days of quarantine the SARS-CoV-2 virus was still detected on all five materials tested. When compared to Test 1, which resulted in nondetectable virus after three days on an unstacked hardcover book, softcover book, plastic protective cover, and DVD case, the results of Test 4 highlight the effect of stacking and its ability to prolong the survivability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. “
Libraries can determine for circulation of their own collections as to whether they want to add additional quarantine time on top of the recommended MSL guidance of 72 hours or how they manage/stack materials in quarantine.
For ILL via van delivery and mail, the expectation is that books have been sufficiently quarantined prior to being packed for ILL.  Receiving libraries will quarantine for 72 hours and then distribute to patrons. Libraries that receive items close to due dates should feel free to ask for a renewal to allow a patron sufficient time with the materials. Counting at least 1 day of transport time this is over 6 days of quarantine and even given the new REALM results is sufficient time for the virus to dissipate to very low levels.
From REALM: “The human infectious dose is still unknown.  Studies of other viruses (e.g. SARS-Cov, MERS, influenza) have shown a wide range.”
The difference between test 1 and test 4 and the fact we don’t know what amount is infectious we are all living with a level of uncertainty. This is why safe handling practices are important for library staff.
Washing and/or sanitizing hands and wearing masks while handling materials and ILL bags are the best practice and best defense.  Gloves for those who feel more comfortable with that added protection as long as gloves are used and removed properly.
MSL will see additional guidance from IMSL and Maine CDC to help libraries understand the risks based on the REALM findings for a virtual Q&A session and/or webinar.
We do ask that you do not use totes for quarantining.  We are trying to work with the extra 500 totes purchased. We have also added new bags and are continuing to monitor inventory.

Discussion and Info -Freedom Xpress – Route changes, day changes, key requests and updating labels
There is a lot going on with Freedom Xpress as they adjust to library delivery returning to normal levels and loss of other business that is COVID related.
They have a smaller workforce and will be moving their major sorting facility to another Portland location.  All changes will improve their efficiency. They are also trying to eliminate all Monday deliveries except for those libraries on a 5 day to deal with makeups for holidays.

•             All 1 days are going to Thursday delivery

•             All 2 days are going to Tuesday and Thursday delivery

•             All 3 days are going to Tuesday, and Thursday Friday delivery

•             All 4 days are going to Tuesday, Wed, Thurs and Friday

•             Five days is M-F

We are working with libraries to get keys, alternate locations, etc.  Please use the Feedback Form<https://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/interlib/illfeedback.htm> if you have questions – that way we share information and resolve issues faster.
We know these changes have impact on your daily operations, but it is a reality we deal with in Maine to bring equitable statewide services to all libraries.  This is not only a challenge in Maine but nationally delivery services are facing similar challenges with staffing due to COVID, loss of business, and employees who may have to quarantine due to exposure.  As we attempt to get back to “normal” it is not the same operating environment and has great impact on logistics.
The restructuring and consolidation of many of the previous van routes require us to reissue van delivery labels with new route codes.
The new labels are up and ready for downloading and printing on our van delivery participant page -https://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/interlib/delivery.shtml  as well as a spreadsheet link<https://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/interlib/documents/VanD_FXRouteCodes_Sep2020.xlsx> for those of you who prefer to generate your own versions.  You’ll notice that the new labels only list route numbers.  Stop numbers have been discontinued. Freedom Xpress is asking you to begin utilizing these updated labels as soon as you are able next week (9/14/20), and to discard previous versions.    The new labels will help with ironing out the wrinkles in the changing route structure as member libraries all move towards the new delivery service schedule.

Stay well and have  great weekend. We will host another meeting on September 22.
Janet


Janet McKenney
Director, Library Development
Maine State Library
SHS 64
230 State Street
Augusta, ME 04333

207-287-5603
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@janetmckenney (Twitter)