Local 1321’s proposals on opening up Queens Library

Below are the membership’s demands for when we open to the public.

First and foremost following the recommendations of the CDC, WHO, NYC Health Department and other organizations on how to operate public spaces.

Equipment:

• Personal protective equipment: masks, gloves, face shields or goggles, gowns, etc

• For public and public service staff: cleaning wipes, hand sanitizer and dispensers behind each desk, workroom, kitchen, and by the front door

Crowd control: 

• Encourage public to call the library before their visit;

• Set the number of people allowed in a library

• Limit the number of staff in the lunchroom at the same time

• Limit the number of people in meeting rooms

• The two branches that don’t have self-check machines shouldn’t reopen.

• All the customers must wear face masks and gloves when inside the library

• Limit the time that a customer stays at the library to 30 or 45 minutes

Signage:

• Social distancing reminders including taped reminders about how far is a safe distance

• Cleaning awareness signs

• Deter donations signage

Protective modifications:

• Plexiglass barriers at reference and circulation desk

Programming and workflow changes:

• One-on-one cleaning refresher

• Give staff the option of reporting to their nearest branch to avoid using public transportation

• 5 hour work days to avoid lunch breaks

• Stagger the opening of libraries to allow custodians to properly disinfect afterwards

• Stop book donations 

• Sanitize libraries, computers, returned books and materials

• Quarantine or sanitize returned books

• Separate desks far enough away from each other

• Temporarily close excess public service desks

• Strongly advise to suspend public computer use.  If not cut them back severely.

• Suspend programming

• Close basement workrooms because of their poor air circulation

Questions

• Can staff be tested?

• What will be the criteria for shutting down a branch?

• What will be the opening schedule e.g. reduced library hours?

• What if people refuse assignments?

• How is the library following Matilda’s Law?

• How will the Administration back up staff to enforce our rules?

• What resources do staff have to enforce the rules?