We truly do not know. We can say that it will be at least three weeks, but that doesn’t mean we will be opening in three weeks. We want to wait and see how curbside service works once it settles down a bit so we can assess how manageable it is in regards to staff workload. We know we will need to offer at least some version of curbside service for a while after we allow patrons in the building. Information changes daily and we continue to look to the state and the county for direction.
How much notification will staff have prior to a move to the next phase?
One to two weeks is our goal. We will reopen at some point and we are working to get everything in place that will ensure staff and patron safety when that time comes. Many things need to be ordered and received, so we are taking that into account as we look at timing. This is a good time for staff to do the same, start getting things in order to return to the branch regularly.
What are we doing to prepare for the next phase?
Visits have been made to all branches to determine and discuss problematic or high-traffic areas that do not allow for adequate social distancing, signage, and traffic patterns. Five additional hand sanitizer stations for each branch were ordered this week. Plexiglas orders are in and we are awaiting delivery. We are working with vendors for floor decals to direct traffic patterns, instruct patrons where to stand in line, and remind patrons of social distancing. We are also working to get credit card payment capabilities at one OneStop per branch.
Has a decision been made about patrons wearing masks?
We don’t have a final answer, but at this point it is highly unlikely that we would require patrons to wear masks. We will recommend them and we will supply them, but we don’t want to put staff in the position to have to enforce. We also are not sure we would have Library Board support to require patrons to wear masks. That being said, we may have different requirements for patrons depending on the level of service requested. For example, if a patron needs computer assistance that requires close contact, we would require them to wear a mask.
Is the state/county leaving it up to each establishment on requiring masks?
The Governor’s executive orders recommend but do not require masks. It is our understanding that, as long as the executive order is in place, we as a government entity cannot put a different requirement in place that contradicts the state. However, that can change if the executive order changes.
Have there been any patron surveys conducted since we closed?
No, but that is a great idea! It would be an excellent opportunity to gather feedback from our patrons and assess their wants and needs. Anna has not had many disgruntled phone calls from patrons. She did hear from a gentleman this week who politely shared his desire for the library to open so he can use the computers.
What services are other libraries in Georgia offering?
According to data gathered by Georgia Public Library Service:
- 76% of library systems have staff back in the buildings
- 58 % are offering limited service to the public like curbside
- 13% are open to the public
Libraries around the state vary greatly in size and populations served. Our considerations are much different than those in rural areas. Thus far none of the larger systems have reopened, so we don’t have an apples to apples comparison of what reopening will look like.
What percentage of curbside patrons are selecting their own items and placing holds versus asking staff to pick out and select items for them?
We don’t have an exact number at present, but are working to compile those now and we will track it moving forward. Ann reported that they may see around two each day. Denise said they receive between two and four on a given day. Both Ann and Denise shared that the majority of these requests are from children looking for new reads.
Where are we with Communico and curbside?
We are getting ready to launch Communico curbside service next week. Branch Managers have access and we are working on permissions. We are putting the final details into the system and working on the training aspect for staff.
Will patrons get a confirmation email from Communico when they book their appointment for curbside pickup? It will save staff from having to call or email to confirm, yes?
We believe so but will need to test to make sure.
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