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REALM Project

Many AIC members have expressed health and safety concerns for both staff and visitors when museums, libraries, and archives gradually resume operations. Questions remain about the viability of the COVID-19 virus on paper and plastics in circulating collections, as well as on surfaces that are repeatedly touched, such as interactive screens and headphones.

I am delighted, therefore, that AIC has been invited to serve on the Steering Committee of the recently announced IMLS initiative, COVID-19 Research Partnership to Inform Safe Handling of Collections, Reopening Practices for Libraries, Museums.

In this capacity, AIC, represented by Executive Director Eryl Wentworth, will assist the IMLS, OCLC (a non-profit global library cooperative), and Battelle (a non-profit scientific research organization) as they evaluate and develop guidelines on how to handle materials, training, and cleaning in a lessened, but still persistent, COVID-19 presence. Other associations and collecting institutions on the Steering Committee include the American Alliance for Museums, the Association of Science and Technology Centers, National Archives and Records Administration, the Children’s Museums Association, the Smithsonian Institution, and the American Library Association, among others.

AIC will continue to update this page and keep it linked from our homepage. The IMLS Research Partnership is working for the rapid release of information in the coming weeks. We are united in our desire to provide access to collections, while insuring everyone’s wellbeing.

Margaret Holben Ellis
President

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Announcements

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New REALM Resources on Pandemic Impacts and Libraries and Museums as Vaccination Sites (3 June 2021)

New REALM resources on pandemic impacts, bridging health equity gaps, and collecting pandemic artifacts, including new toolkit resources and an article on how libraries and museums are serving as public vaccination sites!

William T. Harris, Space Center Houston’s President and CEO, shares details of the pandemic’s impact on his institution one year later. New resource roundups exploring health equity; preserving pandemic artifacts in archives, libraries, and museums; and the impact of COVID-19 on our cultural institutions, are also available in the REALM toolkit.

In a WebJunction article, the REALM project explores how libraries and museums are leveraging their accessible facilities and community relationships to serve as vaccination sites and help address vaccine hesitancy.

For a summary of these latest outputs, visit the “Happening Now” project update page: https://www.oclc.org/realm/happening-now.html
What’s New and Next for the REALM Project (20 May 2021)

The latest outputs from the REALM project include new toolkit resources, research on the impacts of vaccines, variants, and ventilation systems on COVID-19 transmission, as well as a blog post on the next phase of the REALM project.

- A new briefing, prepared by Battelle, reviews research on COVID-19 vaccination, variant strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and building ventilation that may affect operations, policies, and procedures.

- Boston Children’s Museum CEO Carole Charnow shares details of the pandemic’s impact on her institution one year later. New toolkit “roundups” exploring risk assessment and trauma management in archives, libraries, and museums are also available.

- In this Hanging Together post, OCLC’s REALM project director Sharon Streams reflects on learnings and activities from the past year and discusses the next phase of the project.

For a summary of these latest outputs, visit the “Happening Now” project update page: https://www.oclc.org/realm/happening-now.html
Register for the April 15 REALM project webinar, “Understanding COVID-19 Vaccines” (1 April 2021)

The REopening Archives, Libraries and Museums (REALM) project is hosting a webinar to explore the topic of COVID-19 vaccines and how they impact the reopening and ongoing operations plans for organizations. Presenters will provide information on vaccine education, including resources available to help address vaccine misinformation in the community. They will also share aspects of what is known and unknown in the scientific community about vaccines, along with a general update about the REALM project.

Register at: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/understanding-COVID-19-vaccines.html
Managing Uncertainty During COVID-19: Five Tips for Making Decisions During a Crisis (18 March 2021)

A year after COVID-19 upended our lives, we are still contending with many uncertainties. Pandemics make for a complex problem in a complex system. Organizations have had to make decisions quickly based on information that is patchy, flawed, or indirect. Undisputed conclusions are hard to settle on, and there is no one decision to rule them all. Turns out, this uncertainty is the nature of decision-making during a global public health crisis.

The REALM project draws on experts in this area to offer some tips for how to navigate ambiguity in these circumstances:

https://www.oclc.org/realm/resources/managing-uncertainty.html
REALM literature review and new toolkit resources available (5 March 2021)
Systematic literature review

This third systematic literature review of SARS-CoV-2 research published through November 2020 summarizes current research on how the virus spreads, its survival on materials and surfaces, and the effectiveness of various prevention and decontamination measures.

Toolkit resources

New toolkit materials with resources and information on vaccines, reopening considerations, social distancing measures, and virtual programming are also available:
- Vaccines: Resource roundup: collection of curated information and resources about vaccines that can help to answer common COVID-19-related questions
- Reopening Considerations: this document synthesizes information in reopening plans that have been generously shared by libraries, archives, and museums
- Social distancing: Resource roundup: resources to help provide guidance on social distancing measures while serving the public and keeping staff safe
- Virtual programming: Resource roundup: examples and resources for conducting successful virtual programs and meeting people where they are—online!
REALM Project Test 7 and 8 Results Available (11 February 2021)

The REALM project has published the results of Tests 7 and 8 of Battelle’s laboratory testing for infectious COVID-19 virus on materials commonly found in libraries, archives and museums. These tests compare the effect of colder and warmer temperatures on the attenuation rate of the virus on materials previously tested at ambient room temperatures.

View Test 7 and 8 results at https://oc.lc/test7-8-results
REALM Tests 7 & 8 Underway & Webinar Scheduled (14 January 2021)

As part of the REALM research, a set of two laboratory tests are underway to study the effect of cold and heat on the surface survivability of the COVID-19 virus. Four materials that were previously tested at standard office temperature (68 to 72°F; 22±2°C) will be held at a temperature of 35.6 ±3.6°F (2 ±2°C) for the “cold” test and at 84.2 ±3.6°F (29 ±2°C) for the “warm” test. The following items are included in both Tests 7 and 8:

- Hardback book (buckram cloth, stacked)
- Softback book cover (stacked)
- Plastic protective cover (stacked)
- Expanded polyethylene foam (unstacked)

The results of the tests can help staff at libraries, archives, and museums consider the impact of environmental conditions on any policies and procedures for quarantine or disinfection.

For more information about these tests, visit the “Happening Now” project update page.

REALM webinar on January 29

A webinar featuring updates about REALM project activities and research findings will be hosted on Friday, January 29. The webinar will be recorded and available for later viewing if you cannot attend live.

Register now at https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/realm-update-reflections.html
New REALM Toolkit Materials and Videos (17 December 2020)

Explore new toolkit materials

New REALM toolkit resources are available to help support the interpretation and use of REALM laboratory research. These downloadable visual aids show test results by material type and usage, including:

- Surfaces (marble, laminate, glass, etc.)
- Books and paper
- Media (CDs, DVDs, USB cassettes)
- Plastics

Video resources to inform your planning

- Staff members from the Denver Public Library, Jefferson College Library, and the Johnson County Library share their pandemic experiences and how they have used REALM research to inform local decision-making.
- Get an inside look at REALM goals, roles, and activities as told by project team members from IMLS, OCLC, and Battelle.

Explore links to the above resources on the REALM Happening Now project update page at https://oc.lc/realm-happening-now
Test 6 Results and New Resources Available (19 November 2020)

Test 6 results

The REALM project has published the results of the sixth round of Battelle’s laboratory testing for infectious COVID-19 virus on five materials commonly found in furnishings and exhibits of archives, libraries, and museums.

View results at https://oc.lc/test6-results

New resources available

Also available are updated toolkit resources and the raw data sets for all of the REALM tests.

For a summary of these latest outputs, visit the “Happening Now” project update page.
Test 6 Underway and Toolkit Materials Available (22 October 2020)
Test 6 underway

Five materials that are commonly found in furnishings and exhibits of archives, libraries, and museums were selected for the sixth REALM lab test. Battelle researchers will apply the COVID-19 virus to each item and measure how much remains after 2, 4, 6, and 8 days. The study began on October 8 and includes the following items:
- Marble (flooring, counters)
- Powder-coated steel (lockers, shelving, book trucks, exhibit elements)
- Laminate (countertops)
- Brass (fixtures, railings)
- Glass (windows, display cases)
Visit https://oc.lc/realm-happening-now

Toolkit materials available

Also available are the first in a series of materials to help support the interpretation and use of REALM project resources. These materials include:
- REALM 101 (about COVID-19 and the project)
- A checklist for decision-making
- Visual aids comparing all REALM test results thus far
Browse the resources at https://www.oclc.org/realm/resources.html
Test 5 and Phase 2 Literature Review (14 October 2020)

Test 5 results available

The REALM project has published the results of the fifth round of Battelle’s laboratory testing for infectious COVID-19 virus on four fabrics and leather—materials commonly used for bookbinding, upholstery, and crowd control.

View test results: https://oc.lc/test5-results

Phase 2 literature review findings published

Also available is a review of SARS-CoV-2 research published through mid-August, which summarizes current research on how the virus spreads, its survival on materials and surfaces, and the effectiveness of various prevention and decontamination measures.

Read the literature review: https://oc.lc/phase2-literature-review

For a summary of these latest outputs, visit the “Happening Now” project update page.
Second REALM webinar scheduled (24 September 2020)

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

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.

The webinar is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 3:00 pm Eastern Time.

Register for the webinar:
https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/realm-collections-facilities.html
Test 5 Underway (10 September 2020)
Five items were selected for the fifth round of Battelle lab testing to examine the length of time the COVID-19 virus may live on materials commonly used in archives, libraries, and museums. The study began on Saturday, August 29 and includes the following items:
- Polyolefin fabric (upholstery)
- Polyvinyl chloride “vinyl” (upholstery)
- 100% cotton (upholstery, draperies, toys)
- Nylon webbing (stanchion belts and bags)
- Leather bookbinding
For more information on these and other project activities, visit the “Happening Now” project update page. For more on the scope, timeline, and committees involved with #REALMproject, visit oc.lc/realm-project.
Test 4 Results Announced (3 September 2020)

The REALM project has published the results of the fourth round of Battelle’s laboratory testing for COVID-19 on five materials common to archives, libraries, and museums.

Four of the five items—hardcover book cover, softcover book cover, plastic protective cover, and DVD case—were part of Test 1, but in this round, the materials were stacked to simulate storage in a book drop, bin, or on shelves.

The fifth item, expanded polyethylene foam—commonly used in museum exhibits, storage, and shipping—was tested unstacked.

View the results at https://oc.lc/test4-results
Test 3 Results Announced (18 August 2020)

The REALM project has published the results of the third round of Battelle’s laboratory testing for COVID-19 on five plastic-based materials: talking book USB cassettes, DVD, storage bags, storage containers, and plexiglass.

View the Test 3 results at https://oc.lc/test3-results

Sign up for the REALM Project email list to receive timely REALM Project updates.

You can also follow OCLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn for the latest project updates and join the conversation using #REALMproject.
Test 4 Underway (4 August 2020)

Five items were selected for the fourth round of Battelle lab testing to examine the length of time the COVID-19 virus may live on materials commonly used in archives, libraries, and museums. The study began on Friday, July 31, on items provided by Columbus Metropolitan Library and the National Archives and Records Administration. In response to feedback from the library community and discussion among REALM working groups, four of the five items selected for test 4 are similar book materials as were studied in test 1; for this test they will be stacked to simulate their common storage configuration in bins, book drops, and on shelves.

For more information on these and other project activities, visit the “Happening Now” project update page. For more on the scope, timeline, and committees involved with #REALMproject, visit oc.lc/realm-project. Sign up to receive timely project email updates here.

REALM questions submission form

Archive, library, and museum staff can use this form to submit their questions about the REALM project to the team. We will do our best to respond to questions submitted.

The form can be found at https://oc.lc/realm-questions
August 4 webinar open for registration (23 July 2020)

REALM webinar scheduled for August 4

Through the REopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) Project, OCLC, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle are conducting research on how long the COVID-19 virus survives on materials that are commonly handled in archives, libraries, and museums. Join staff from OCLC, IMLS, and Battelle for a free WebJunction webinar to learn more about the testing process, how to present results to your stakeholders, project resources to inform your local decisions, and what you can expect from the project in the months to come.

Register for the webinar

REALM questions submission form

Archive, library, and museum staff can use this form to submit their questions about the REALM project to the team. We will do our best to respond to questions submitted.

The form can be found at https://oc.lc/realm-questions
New test results announced (20 July 2020)

The REALM Project has published the results of the second round of Battelle’s laboratory testing for COVID-19 on five commonly handled materials: braille paper pages, glossy paper pages, magazine pages, children’s board books, and archival folders.

Read the REALM Project Test 2 results.

Visit the “Happening Now” for recent REALM Project updates; for more on the scope, timeline, and committees involved with #REALMproject, visit oc.lc/realm-project.

Sign up for the REALM Project email list to receive timely REALM Project updates.

You can also follow OCLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn for the latest project updates and join the conversation using #REALMproject.
Third round of testing begins July 10 (9 July 2020)

Five plastic-based items were selected for the third round of Battelle lab testing to examine the length of time the COVID-19 virus may live on materials commonly used in archives, libraries, and museums. The study begins July 10 on items provided by Columbus Metropolitan Library; the National Archives and Records Administration; and the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. The results of test set 3 are expected to be released within four weeks. The second round of testing—examining paper-based materials—is still in progress; results will be shared later in July.

For more information on these and other project activities, visit the “Happening Now” project update page. For more on the scope, timeline, and committees involved with #REALMproject, visit oc.lc/realm-project.

Sign up for the REALM Project email list to receive timely REALM Project updates.
Second round of testing begins (25 June 2020)

Five items have been selected for Round 2 of Battelle lab testing to determine the length of time the COVID-19 virus may live on the surface of these porous materials. Testing began June 23, 2020, using materials provided by Columbus Metropolitan Library, the National Archives and Records Administration, and the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. The results from test set 2 are expected to be released in late July 2020.

Also new to the REALM website this week is compilation of select reopening plans from public libraries that can be helpful reference examples. This section will be updated and expanded to include other institutional types as the project progresses.

For more information on these and other project activities, visit the “Happening Now” project update page. For more on the scope, timeline, and committees involved with #REALMproject, visit oc.lc/realm-project.
Round 1 test results now available (22 June 2020)

The REALM Project has released the results of the first round of Battelle’s laboratory testing for COVID-19 on commonly circulated library materials. The five materials tested in this round included a hardback book cover (buckram cloth), paperback book cover, plain paper pages inside a book, plastic protective book covering, and a DVD case.

We encourage you to sign up for the REALM Project email list to receive timely project updates when new information is released. For more information on this first round of testing, visit the “Happening Now” project update page. For more on the scope, timeline, and committees involved with #REALMproject, visit oc.lc/realm-project.

You can also follow OCLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn for the latest project updates and join the conversation using #REALMproject.
Systematic literature review released (17 June 2020)

The REALM Project has released “Systematic Literature Review of SARS-CoV-2: Spread, Environmental Attenuation, Prevention, and Decontamination,” prepared by Battelle. This is an in-depth review of published literature on virus attenuation on commonly found materials that can inform discussion and decisions about operations in archives, libraries, and museums.

For more information on this first round of testing and other activities, visit the “Happening Now” project update page. For more on the scope, timeline, and committees involved with #REALMproject, visit oc.lc/realm-project
REALM Project roles available (10 June 2020)
There are three open positions to support REALM Project activities:
- Toolkit Editor, Libraries and Archives: submit application by Tuesday, June 16, 2020
- Toolkit Editor, Museums: submit application by Tuesday, June 16, 2020
- Evaluation Consultant: respond to RFP by Friday, June 19, 2020
Project test plan and preliminary literature review released (3 June 2020)

The REALM Project has released the document, “Test Plan for the Natural Attenuation of SARS-CoV-2 as a Decontamination Approach.” This is a technical document that explains the process and details about conditions for testing materials provided by archives, libraries, and museums.

A preliminary literature review—prepared by Battelle—is now available. This review informed the context for the laboratory research that is currently underway.

For more information on this first round of testing and other activities, visit the “Happening Now” project update page. For more on the scope, timeline, and committees involved with #REALMproject, visit oc.lc/realm-project.
Round 1 material testing underway (20 May 2020)

Five items commonly found in public libraries have been selected for initial lab testing to determine the length of time the COVID-19 virus may live on the surface of these materials. Testing began May 13, 2020 using materials provided to Battelle by Columbus Metropolitan Library, and the results of this first round are expected to be released mid-June.

For more information on this first round of testing and other activities, visit the “Happening Now” project update page. For more on the scope, timeline, and committees involved with #REALMproject, visit oc.lc/realm-project.
REALM Project site launches (12 May 2020)

REopening Archives, Libraries and Museums (REALM) is a research partnership between OCLC, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle to create and distribute science-based information and recommended practices designed to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to staff and visitors who are engaging in the delivery or use of museum, library, and archival services.

Visit oc.lc/realm-project for more information on the project, research timeline, and committee members. Project updates and resources will be added to this information hub as they become available.

REALM Project site launchesWe encourage you to sign up to receive project updates by email and/or bookmark the project page, as it will be the primary source for housing all program results and resources. You can also follow OCLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn for the latest project updates and join the conversation using #REALMproject.