MLA Updates Quarantine Recommendations for Returned Library Materials

April 29, 2021

The quarantine period for books and other materials loaned and returned to a library during the pandemic has been the subject of much discussion. Seven days for everything? Four days for this, two days for that? 24 hours?

Early on in the pandemic, MLA made a recommendation that relied on the newly released REALM study results, but with each passing test and no formal recommendation from OCLC, our members began looking at other local and national authorities for advice and counsel.

Libraries across Michigan consulted with their local departments of health and have done in-depth research into the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) statement that the principal mode of transmission of COVID-19 is through exposure to respiratory droplets. They have also taken into consideration the comfort/safety of their boards, staff members and patrons.

According to the CDC, based on available epidemiological data and studies of environmental transmission factors, surface transmission is not the main route by which SARS-CoV-2 spreads, and the risk is considered to be low. MLA feels comfortable in releasing our recommendation and letting each library make a personal choice on whether to continue quarantining their loaned items. As many of our members have stated to us, circulation is still low, items tend to have a natural resting period on the shelves, and libraries have taken the necessary precautions on cleaning/processing. The CDC continues to state that “The risk of transmission can be reduced by wearing masks consistently and correctly, practicing hand hygiene, cleaning, and taking other measures to maintain healthy facilities.”

MLA also wants to be sure that you take note of the quarantine policies still in place by MCLS and some of the Cooperatives on this issue.

Read the CDC Science Brief: SARS-CoV-2 and Surface (Fomite) Transmission for Indoor Community Environment