Forums - Continuity of Operations Information

Chancellor mandates masks at colleges, 8/4/2021

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 20:39:04 +0000

Please see the message below
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"From: Glenn DuBois
Date: August 4, 2021 at 9:48:33 AM
To: VCCS Presidents
Cc: System_cabinet
Subject: COVID - CDC guidance update

Dear VCCS Presidents:

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began we have repeatedly stated our shared commitment to the safety of our students, faculty, and staff and to make safety-related decisions based on the best guidance of healthcare professionals. The rise of the virus’s easily transmitted Delta variant is requiring us, once again, to reconsider what is necessary to continue to pursue our academic mission as safely as possible.

To that end, recent CDC guidance calls for: (1) layered prevention strategies at Americas colleges and universities to combat COVID-19, and (2) for fully vaccinated people to wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.

Though dynamic, all of Virginia’s Community Colleges serve localities that have, in recent days, shown substantial or high transmission rates. In keeping with CDC guidance and out of respect for the health and safety of individuals on our campuses, I am implementing an indoor mask mandate for public indoor spaces at our colleges. I call on you to implement this mandate in a manner that best matches your college, including allowing for instructors to remove masks when instructing students from a safe distance or from behind a plexiglass barrier.

Together, we will continue to monitor the public health of our community and guidance from authoritative sources, like the CDC and revisit this mandate when needed.

Thank you for all that you are doing to continue to support the health of your community, including actively encouraging vaccination.

Sincerely,

Glenn DuBois,
Chancellor"

REALM update - July 2021

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 15:44:20 +0000

July REALM research update and perspectives from the field

"The REALM project has published new resources to help inform your local decision making on COVID-19 policies.

• An updated research briefing, prepared by Battelle, reviews research on COVID-19 vaccination, variant strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and ventilation that may affect building operations, policies, and procedures. This research focused on three key questions:

What implications does SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in the United States have for public health interventions and policies, especially related to indoor environments?
What differences have been found for SARS-CoV-2 variants (compared to the original strain) in the United States in terms of spread, transmissibility, surface attenuation, and effectiveness of public health interventions?
What effects do ventilation and ventilation-based interventions (e.g., heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems [HVAC]) have on the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in indoor environments?"

• In a new video, Belinda Tate, Executive Director of Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, shares how her staff came together to adapt programs and exhibits online in response to the pandemic’s impact on her institution and community."

Overdue and Billing During the Pandemic

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 17:08:25 +0000

Hello,

My name is Terri Ruffin and I work at Tidewater Community College. Our Circulation Team is gathering information on overdue and billing during the pandemic. We’re interested in knowing how other libraries are handling past and current overdues/billing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thank you in advance,

Terri Ruffin

VDH Interim Recommendations for the Safe Operation of Libraries during the COVID-19 P

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 19:13:44 +0000

VDH Interim Recommendations for the Safe Operation of Libraries during the COVID-19 Pandemic (February 25, 2021 )

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/upl...raries.pdf

Sharing a letter from the Adjutant General re students in the National Guard

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 15:34:37 +0000

Civil Disturbance Activation Letter (students).pdf (Size: 133.66 KB / Downloads: 11)
"Secretary Qarni has asked me to share, on behalf of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the state Adjutant General, the attached letter regarding the Virginia National Guard's call to active duty and potential impact on students in the Guard. <>
- Fran

--
Fran Bradford
Deputy Secretary of Education
Office of Governor Ralph Northam"

Due 10/8 - Survey about best practices in reopening and closing libraries

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 18:09:19 +0000

To: VIVA-COVID-REOPEN-L@LISTSERV.GMU.EDU
Subject: Survey about best practices in reopening and closing libraries - please answer by October 8th

Hello, all –

As libraries reopen, close, and reopen again throughout the year, best practices will emerge. This survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5JHJ6X7) hopes to capture what works and what doesn’t work, to inform the larger consortium. Answers will be anonymized and summarized, and the summaries will be publicly available. Please only answer the questions that you want to answer, and please respond by October 8th.

Thank you to Lisa Broughman (Randolph C) and Cirrus Gundlach (Paul D. Camp CC) of the Outreach Committee’s COVID-19 VIVA Libraries Reopening and Teleworking initiative in helping to develop this survey.

Many thanks –
Anne.

Anne C. Osterman
VIVA Director
703-993-4652
aelguind@gmu.edu

REALM COVID19 Webinar - Oct. 08

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 17:05:18 +0000

"Collections and Facilities: Caring for your resources during COVID-19

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020 - 3:00 PM Eastern

Amid COVID-19, many archives, libraries, and museums are reopening and expanding access to services in their communities. The challenges of reopening during a pandemic have led to many questions about the handling of materials as well as the management of building operations. From allowing the virus to die naturally, to using disinfectants, to applying UV light or heat treatment—there are many options to consider.

Join this 60-minute WebJunction webinar from the REopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) project to hear how some organizations are implementing policies and procedures around the use of these various treatments and considerations that could inform your own local decisions. You’ll also hear an update on REALM testing efforts and the development of project resources."

DETAILS & REGISTRATION

COVID talking points for libraries - Sep 2020

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 15:48:03 +0000

Attached please find two examples of talking points in use by staff at Tidewater CC and as well as Emory & Henry Libraries. These examples were shared recently in the VIVA Directors COVID discussions.

-Tara

Masks & Social Distancing_ What to Say_E&HC.pdf (Size: 35.54 KB / Downloads: 8)
COVID library service talking points_TCC.pdf (Size: 81.72 KB / Downloads: 9)

Fall 2020 library operating status

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 17:57:28 +0000

Thanks to all who responded to our recent library operating plan poll for fall 2020. The survey results are available here.
-Tara

COVID-19 Update 062520

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 14:57:53 +0000

Please see the attached report prepared by VCCS AWP on 6/25.

"Of particular interest may be the article about the approved VA workplace safety standards that were proposed and voted on in the past week. Additionally, there is a compelling article about how community colleges will be the linchpin of our economic recovery.

Randall Stamper
Assistant Vice Chancellor
VCCS Grants and Federal Workforce Programs"

COVID-19 Update 062520.docx (Size: 283.53 KB / Downloads: 15)

Reopening Plans

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 15:01:53 +0000

In the library staff drop in, we discussed opening plans. I've attached mine if it is helpful for anyone.

Thank you,
Cirrus

Camp Library and COVID-19.docx (Size: 22.98 KB / Downloads: 4)

Relaxing of VIVA's requirement for public access to VIVA resources

Mon, 18 May 2020 20:29:45 +0000

5/18/2020

In normal times, VIVA members are required to provide free and open access to all VIVA resources for all users of their libraries, including members of the public. During the pandemic, it is recognized that institutions may need to limit access to their own students, faculty, and staff. If you have any questions about this, please write to viva@gmu.edu.

Many thanks –
Anne.

Anne C. Osterman
VIVA Director
703-993-4652
aelguind@gmu.edu

Weekly Library Staff Drop-in, Wednesdays beginning 4/1

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 17:48:00 +0000

Dear Colleagues,
Beginning 4/1/2020, I will offer an informal, non-recorded Zoom meeting for any interested library staff to connect each week on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. This is intended to support library teleworkers during the current COVID-19 disruption, and provide an opportunity to talk, listen, compare notes, ask questions, and connect across colleges with colleagues who are finding their way.

Join Zoom Meeting - Library Staff Drop-in
Time: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. beginning 4/1/2020
Meeting URL: https://vccs.zoom.us/j/362402069
Meeting ID: 362 402 069
Dial: US: +1 646 558 8656 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 346 248 7799

I will share any helpful information that comes from these discussions here.
-Tara

Classified and Wage Hiring Freeze 4/2

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 17:14:04 +0000

Late yesterday, the Governor’s Office advised state agencies that a hiring freeze shall take effect immediately for all classified and wage positions due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Northam Issues Statewide Stay at Home Order 3/30

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 09:29:38 +0000

"March 30, 2020

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today issued a statewide Stay at Home order to protect the health and safety of Virginians and mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. The executive order takes effect immediately and will remain in place until June 10, 2020, unless amended or rescinded by a further executive order.

The order directs all Virginians to stay home except in extremely limited circumstances. Individuals may leave their residence for allowable travel, including to seek medical attention, work, care for family or household members, obtain goods and services like groceries, prescriptions, and others as outlined in Executive Order Fifty-Three, and engage in outdoor activity with strict social distancing requirements.

The executive order also directs all Virginia institutions of higher education to stop in-person classes and instruction." <>

Full text of this press release is at https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsro...02-en.html