One of the major concerns for libraries during the coronavirus was how safe are our collections?  Libraries have much more than just books from newspapers, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks, music CDs, etc.  There was no clear guidance on how long the virus could live on paper or plastic, much less hard services.

 

The Institute of Museum and Libraries (IMLS) commissioned a study from Battelle to answer some of these questions.  The results for some materials were made available last week.  They looked at five surfaces in phase one: the cover of hardcover books (buckram cloth), the cover of softback books, plain paper pages inside a closed book, mylar protective book cover jackets, and plastic DVD cases.  They tested for the virus under a variety of environments with standard temperature and relative humidity conditions typically found in air-conditioned office space.

 

Research showed the virus undetectable on the five highly circulated library materials after three days.  It found the virus undetectable after one day on the covers of hardback and softback books as well as the DVD case.  The virus was undetectable on the paper inside of a book and mylar book jackets after three days.  

 

“Scientific research is essential to answer questions about the spread of the coronavirus on materials that are ever-present in our nation’s libraries, archives and museums,” said IMLS director Crosby Kemper.  “We recognized the need to test specific items and surfaces as these organizations are now reopening, asking: How can we mitigate risk to staff?  How should patrons and visitors handle books, touchable exhibits or DVD cases?”

 

Battelle will be initiating lab testing on an additional five materials this month, with results expected by the end of July.  

 

Even before the results of this study, Items at the library had been quarantined for 72 hours after return before they are checked in minimizing handling by the library staff.  Any books or materials that you pick up from our contactless pickup have either sat on our shelves for weeks or have already been through quarantine.  The results of these studies should be of concern in regular life since it is clear that the virus can live on paper inside of a book for longer than 24 hours so it might be wise to let packages of books and magazines sit unopened at home for three days to be safe.