Current status of OPAL Institutions and Libraries in Response to COVID-19:
OPAL libraries have begun to accept deliveries and for the most part resume lending/requesting through OhioLINK. Some institutions are limiting pick up locally - consult the PCIRC spreadsheet below for current status information.
Current list of PCIRC pickup and Pickup Anywhere locations.
OhioLINK also has a shared spreadsheet to communicate local service information such as status of book drops on campus, plans to clear or eliminate fines during the Covid-19 pandemic, local and ILL print lending and article scanning status, and backup PCIRC contact information.
Please update your institution's current status and circulation information for OPAL (initially compiled by Gina Maida of Mount Union).
As part of the REALM Project’s Phase 1 research, Battelle has conducted a natural attenuation study to provide information on how long some commonly circulated library materials would need to be quarantined prior to being returned to public circulation.
OCLC reports significant outcomes from the REALM Project Test 2, in partnership with IMLS and Battelle that support the commonly established practice of a 3-day quarantine on library materials.
The materials in Test 3 included storage bags (flexible plastic), storage containers (rigid plastic), DVD (polycarbonate), talking book/USB cassette (ABS), plexiglass (acrylic).
This test covered four fabrics and leather to determine how long the infectious virus may survive on materials common to archives, libraries, and museums.