The ACRL/NEC Board of Directors endorses recent statements from the American Library Association (ALA) and the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) supporting the closure of library facilities and in-person services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While closures are ultimately local decisions, we urge campus leaders to prioritize the health and safety of library staff as well as community members and to do their part to mitigate this global pandemic. We urge that all library workers, including student workers, be encouraged to telecommute or granted fully paid leave, including health coverage, while facilities are closed. We urge that libraries follow CDC guidelines regarding deep cleaning and social distancing, and reopen only when the risk from COVID-19 has significantly subsided. We urge library staff to enact our professional ethos of service by pivoting to remote services wherever possible.

Buildings may close, but librarians remain. We continue to support our communities. We provide electronic resources and remote support for research and teaching. We share accurate scientific information regarding COVID-19 and educate our communities about public health.

ACRL/NEC strives to support our members during these challenging and uncertain times. In the coming weeks, ACRL/NEC will work to offer members additional virtual professional learning opportunities and resources. Please contact the President of the Chapter with questions regarding this statement, or to share any professional needs with which the Chapter might be able to assist you.