Important IMLS Research Update: Virus Undetectable on Five Highly Circulated Library Materials After Three Days

How long does the virus persist on library/paper-based materials? The first round of highly anticipated research informing that question has been published by REALM Project, testing the following: (1) Hardback book cover (buckram cloth), (2) Softback book cover, (3) Plain paper pages inside a closed book, (4) Plastic book covering (biaxially oriented polyester film), (5) … Continue reading Important IMLS Research Update: Virus Undetectable on Five Highly Circulated Library Materials After Three Days

Virtual Symposium on Emergency Planning in Libraries and Archives: July 10, 2020

Loyola University New Orleans - College of Law is hosting a virtual symposium of interest to COSTEP MA subscribers. More information, including registration (free), here: https://law.loyno.edu/student-resources/law-library/symposium-emergency-planning-libraries-archives-july-10-2020. A key COSTEP MA contributor, Becky Geller (Preservation Specialist, Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC)), will be presenting an interesting case study in a panel focused on updating disaster plans. … Continue reading Virtual Symposium on Emergency Planning in Libraries and Archives: July 10, 2020

COSTEP MA COVID-19 Resources page

Find out more about resources related to collections care, cleaning and isolation strategies for collections, lending procedures, disaster and emergency planning in the event of a building closure, financial assistance, and institutional responses during the current public health crisis: https://mblc.state.ma.us/costepma/index.php/cultural-institutions/mitigation/public-health-emergencies/

Announcement: Hurricane Season Readiness Webinar, June 16 at 10:30a

UPDATE, 6/24/20: VIEW THE RECORDING HERE: https://vimeo.com/429703062 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted a busy hurricane season for 2020. As institutions begin planning for reopening procedures during the state’s four-phased approach, now is the time to factor in hurricane preparedness. Join COSTEP MA, a statewide network of cultural heritage and emergency management … Continue reading Announcement: Hurricane Season Readiness Webinar, June 16 at 10:30a

Additional Hurricane Season resources

Helpful links and content to prepare for the Atlantic Hurricane Season, June 1 - November 30, from Emergency Management and Preparedness professionals and organizations. "Above Normal" Number of Hurricanes expected As referenced in the June 4 Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Press Release about Hurricane Preparedness, there is an "above normal" number of Hurricanes in … Continue reading Additional Hurricane Season resources

MEMA News: 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins

See the following June 4 press release from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins Start of Hurricane Season is a Reminder to Prepare FRAMINGHAM – This week marks the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season which runs through November 30th. While the majority of tropical storms and hurricanes that have … Continue reading MEMA News: 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins

COVID Collections Care topic: Monitoring and responding to water leaks in closed buildings

There are a great deal of resources to help you plan for monitoring and responding to water leaks that affect your collections. But there aren't so many guides about how to do so effectively when your facility may be closed and when few staff, if any, can periodically walk through and visually monitor collections areas. … Continue reading COVID Collections Care topic: Monitoring and responding to water leaks in closed buildings

Save the date! COSTEP MA Virtual Tabletop Exercise on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 from 10am-12pm

Image credit: AIC/FAIC It's never too late to create, update, and rehearse a disaster plan. Whether it's facing a prolonged building closure, water in the reading room, or storm damage, having a disaster plan in place that is readily accessible and easy to follow will enable your institution to more effectively respond to disaster. COSTEP MA … Continue reading Save the date! COSTEP MA Virtual Tabletop Exercise on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 from 10am-12pm

MayDay webinars from C2CC: three actions you can take today to safeguard collections

Image credit: AIC/FAIC Today (May 1, 2020) is MayDay, an annual tradition started by the Society of American Archivists and Heritage Preservation that encourages actions your institution can take to safeguard your collections. Learn more about MayDay from SAA and from AIC/FAIC. And in the spirit of MayDay, below is information on two recorded webinars … Continue reading MayDay webinars from C2CC: three actions you can take today to safeguard collections