REALM Project
REopening
Archives, Libraries,
and Museums
Libraries
Resources > Libraries
Toolkit resources to support reopening practices for library staff are available to download at the links below.
Bookmark this page and check back often as additional resources will be available soon.
Cleaning and disinfecting considerations
Updated: 5 February 2021
This guide synthesizes resources from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to clean and disinfect public spaces. In addition to social distancing, practicing prevention hygiene, and following public health guidelines, reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by cleaning and disinfecting can be an important part of reopening your facility.
REALM visual aids
Updated: 19 December 2020
New REALM toolkit resources are available to help support the interpretation and use of REALM laboratory research. These downloadable visual aids show test results by material type and usage, including: surfaces, books and paper, media and plastics.
Library perspectives: REALM and reopening (videos)
Updated: 17 December 2020
In a series of short videos, staff members from the Denver Public Library, Jefferson College Library, and the Johnson County Library share their pandemic experiences and how they have used REALM research to inform local decision-making.
Introduction to the REALM project (video)
Updated: 17 December 2020
Get an inside look at REALM goals, roles, and activities as told by project team members from IMLS, OCLC, and Battelle.
Literature review: Key takeaways
Updated: 19 November 2020
The Phase 2 literature review analyzed and summarized findings from
available scientific literature on SARS-CoV-2 from mid-May through mid-August 2020. This review focused on studies of how the virus is spread, virus attenuation on commonly found materials, and effectiveness of prevention and decontamination measures.
REALM test results in visual format
Updated: 19 December 2020
A visual aid that compiles the test results published by the REALM project. The data currently includes the results of Tests 1-6 and will be updated as new results are available.
Decision-making checklist
Updated: 19 November 2020
While working toward resuming operations and services to the public, many factors and resources (national, state, local) should inform your local decision-making. This list of considerations offers a starting point and includes links to guides and additional information.
REALM 101: An introduction to COVID-19 and the project
Updated:19 December 2020
An overview of the project purpose, what we know about COVID-19, as well as the "known unknowns," and the testing process being used for REALM.
Materials handling protocols and procedures
Updated: 20 September 2020
A collection of links and resources to provide information about disinfection and cleaning of materials, as well as illustrative examples of documented protocols and procedures.
Public libraries preparing to reopen
Updated: 25 June 2020
The REALM project’s primary aim is to create and distribute science-based, authoritative information to inform decisions designed to reduce risk of transmission of COVID-19 to staff and visitors who are engaging in the delivery or use of archival, library and museum services. This information includes literature reviews of published scientific research and the results of lab testing on a variety of commonly used materials.