NMPL Service Strategies for County Pandemic/Epidemic Ratings Metrics

*Chart metrics and strategies may be adjusted by the Library Boa​rd based on future pandemic/epidemic situations.   ​

Blue Metric (*7-Day All Tests Positivity Rate from in.gov)
Less Than 5%

• ​​Masks optional in library building
• Hand sanitizing stations available throughout library
• Curbside services available
• Cleaning all returned materials with Concept 256
• Optional use of protective shields at circulation desks

Yellow Metric (*7-Day All Tests Positivity Rate from in.gov)​
5% to 9.9%

• Masks optional but encouraged in library building
• Hand sanitizing stations available throughout library
• Curbside services available
• Cleaning all returned materials with Concept 256
• Employ use of protective shields at circulation desks

Orange Metric (*7-Day All Tests Positivity Rate from in.gov)
10% to 14.9%

• Masks required for all indoor programs
• Masks recommended in library building
• Hand sanitizing stations available throughout library
• Employ social distancing measures
• Curbside services strongly promoted 
• Increase virtual programming
• Cleaning all returned materials with Concept 256
• Employ use of protective shields at circulation desks
• Increase usage of ultraviolet disinfecting equipment
• Increase disinfection of playroom
• Staff awareness to stay at home when ill or symptomatic - get COVID testing

Red Metric (*7-Day All Tests Positivity Rate from in.gov)​
15% or greater 

• Masks required at all times in library building
• Hand sanitizing stations available throughout library
• Employ social distancing measures
• Curbside services strongly promoted
• Encourage use of e-library, online databases, virtual programs usage
• Increase virtual programming
• Cleaning all returned materials with Concept 256
• Staff utilize protective gloves when cleaning returned materials
• Employ use of protective shields at circulation desks
• Possible social distancing measures employed in computer stations
• Potential Blocher Room restrictions (masks required, room occupancy limits)
• Potential Meeting room restrictions (masks required, room occupancy limits)
• Utilize air scrubbers in programming spaces
• Increase usage of ultraviolet disinfecting equipment
• Increase disinfection of playroom/limitation of items
• Daily disinfecting of computer labs
• Staff awareness to stay home when ill or symptomatic - get COVID testing

If greater than (25%-30%)

• Masks required at all times in library building
• Hand sanitizing stations available throughout library
• Employ social distancing measures
• Curbside services strongly promoted
• Encourage use of e-library, online databases, virtual programs usage
• Increase virtual programming
• Virtual programming only 
• Cleaning all returned materials with Concept 256
• Staff utilize protective gloves when cleaning returned materials
• Employ use of protective shields at circulation desks
• Close half of the computers in the computer labs to keep patrons socially distanced
• Blocher Room closed to the public
• Meeting rooms, playroom, and makerspace closed to the public
• Increase usage of ultraviolet disinfecting equipment​
• Daily disinfecting of computer labs
• Staff awareness to stay home when ill or symptomatic - get COVID testing

If greater than (30% and over)

• Library is closed to the public, and moves to curbside only services for materials and document services, or altered hours of operation 
• Staffing adjustments
• Signage, and social media announcements regarding changes
• Virtual programming only 
• Virtual board meetings ​