OLC Issues Roadmap and Best Practices for Reopening Ohio’s Public Libraries

May 3, 2020 — To help public libraries navigate the next phase of this unprecedented pandemic, the Ohio Library Council has put together an outline/roadmap of best practices for reopening building(s) to staff and customers while ensuring a safe environment. Not all of Ohio’s public libraries are the same. This information is meant to serve as a guide and all templates can be customized to fit the needs of individual library systems. The outline is available on the OLC website and is consistent with the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) – including the Stay Safe Ohio Order released on May 1.

Ohio’s public libraries are not required to open their doors by a specific date; however, in order to reopen in any capacity, the ODH protocols must be followed. The new OLC guide is designed to help libraries prepare and includes four different phases for reopening.

Best Practices and Roadmap for Reopening Ohio’s Public Libraries