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 and distribute science-based COVID-19 information that can aid local decision making regarding operations of archives, libraries, and museums.
Happening Now
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REALM research, stories, and resources for young people
An updated briefing, prepared by Battelle, reviews research on COVID-19 vaccination, variant strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and ventilation that may affect building operations, policies, and procedures.
Upcoming webinars
Watch this space for more upcoming webinars.
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 2021 - January 2022
- Produce final research briefings
- Plan online forums on focused topics
- Develop crisis management toolkit resources
- Stakeholder meetings and input
Phase 1
Preparing for Reopened Libraries: Research on High-priority Materials and Workflows
May 2020 – August 2020
Collect, curate, and disseminate information and illustrative practices for mitigating transmission of the COVID-19 virus while handling circulating library collection items. 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
Conduct laboratory tests on the lifespan of the COVID-19 virus on a range of materials handled frequently in archives/special collections, libraries and museums. Produce scientific literature reviews, toolkit resources, and share illustrative examples from the field. Distribute information through project website, mailing list, webinars, and speaking engagements.
Phase 3
Monitor, Update, Communicate
October 2020 – September 2021
Continue to monitor and review new COVID-19 research and community response, and update project resources and information as needed. Host and summarize discussions among archives, libraries, and museum practitioners about lessons learned during the pandemic that can help prepare institutions for future public health crises.