29 January 2021
REopening Archives, Libraries and Museums: Project Update and Community Reflections
A REALM project update on the latest research, new resources, and strategies being implemented in LAM institutions.
REALM Project
REopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums
REopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) is a research project conducted by OCLC, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle to produce science-based information about how materials can be handled to mitigate COVID-19 exposure to staff and visitors of archives, libraries, and museums.
Happening Now
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Tests 7 and 8 underway
Five materials that are commonly found in furnishings and exhibits of archives, libraries, and museums were selected for the sixth REALM lab test. Battelle researchers will apply the COVID-19 virus to each item and measure how much remains after 2, 4...
Research timeline
This project is designed to be flexible and evolve as more becomes known about the virus and practices to reduce risk of transmission. The partnership will address known and emergent research questions in three phases.
Current Planned Activities
December 2020
- Intiate Phase 3.1 literature review
- Plan Tests 7 and 8
- Host IMLS webinar (December 15)
- Publish toolkit resources and videos
- Working group discussions
January 2021
- Complete Phase 3.1 literature review
- Initiate Tests 7 and 8
- Evaluation data collection
- Initiate Phase 3 research
- Host REALM webinar
Phase 1
Preparing for Reopened Libraries: Research on High-priority Materials and Workflows
May 2020 – August 2020
This phase will collect, curate, and disseminate information and recommended practices for handling physical collections and facilities in anticipation of a phased-in or full reopening of public library buildings and services starting as early as May 2020. This phase will produce an initial set of research findings and related resources.
Phase 2
Additional Research to Support Operations of Libraries, Archives, and Museums
June 2020 – October 2020
This phase will study a second set of materials and workflows across libraries, archives/special collections, and museums. The research activities will produce results of laboratory testing, a scientific literature review, toolkit resources, and related resources that provide updated or new information that may have emerged since Phase 1. A more fully designed website will be launched during this phase.
Phase 3
Monitor, Update, Communicate
October 2020 – September 2021
In Phase 3, the project will continue to monitor and review emerging research that may require updates and additions to what has been created during the first two phases. In addition, as the rate of transmission for the virus changes over time and communities continue to adjust to those changes, the policies and practices of libraries and museums may also warrant a change. A third literature review and additional laboratory testing is planned for this phase.