REALM Project
REopening
Archives, Libraries,
and Museums
Resources and courses
Resources > Resources and Courses
A curated collection of self-paced courses, relevant articles and resources addressing LAM-specific pandemic topics.
Introduction to Crisis Communications for Libraries, Archives, and Museums
Updated: 3 October 2023
This course will guide you through the fundamentals of crisis communications, helping to understand the different types of crises and how to define them. With real-life examples and expert insights, you’ll sharpen your knowledge and evaluate your organization’s crisis preparedness.
Crisis Communications Planning for Libraries, Archives, and Museums
Updated: 3 October 2023
When a crisis strikes, clear communication and strong leadership are key. From identifying stakeholders to building a dedicated crisis communications team, you’ll learn practical strategies to handle any situation. Our customizable template will empower you to craft a Crisis Communications Plan that suits your organization’s unique needs.
From Burnout to Balance
Updated: 3 October 2023
Identify burnout causes, manage stress, and boost emotional resilience with this course. There’s something for everyone here, but managers at libraries, archives, or museums will develop skills to promote teamwork, communication, and mutual support in the workplace.
De-escalation Strategies for Libraries, Archives, and Museum Staff
Updated: 3 October 2023
Learn how to intervene in conflict effectively, enforce policies proactively, and promote an environment where everyone feels secure and valued.
Documenting the pandemic: Resource roundup
Updated: 15 July 2021
As collecting institutions, libraries, archives and museums have the distinct challenge of trying to preserve and share history while it is happening. From audio stories to physical objects, these examples illustrate the many ways that artifacts from the pandemic are being collected and will be remembered.
Vaccines: Resource roundup
Updated: 15 July 2021
This collection of curated information and resources about vaccines can help to answer common COVID-19-related questions, such as, “How can I change my behavior after being vaccinated and what precautions should I continue to take?” “What’s the context for and basis of COVID-19 vaccine reluctance?” and “Can LAMs require guests to be vaccinated?”.
The impact of COVID on libraries, archives and museums: Resource roundup
Updated: 15 July 2021
Museums and libraries were among the first organizations to provide their audiences with access to content, services, and support in the face of a global pandemic. These resources attempt to document the pandemic’s impact on the library, archive, and museum field.
Health equity: Resource roundup
Updated: 3 June 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted health disparities in US communities—from receiving treatment while sick, to vaccine access and trustworthy information. As part of their core functions as local community information hubs, libraries, archives, and museums can play a key role in addressing these critical inequities.
Risk assessment: Resource roundup
Updated: 20 May 2021
As LAMs continue to respond to the pandemic and adjust their reopening plans, risk assessment and scenario-based planning skills will remain important organizational assets. These resources focus on how to prepare for future disasters through crisis management.
Trauma management: Resource roundup
Updated: 20 May 2021
Empathetic service, positive visitor encounters, and a more trusting and equitable workplace for employees are only a few benefits that a trauma-informed approach can offer. This roundup features examples of applying trauma-informed concepts to public service, as well as articles that focus on the impact of trauma on staff.
Virtual programming: Resource roundup
Updated: 4 May 2021
While social distancing guidelines are in place, archives, libraries, and museums have the opportunity to meet people where they are: online. This roundup includes examples and resources for conducting successful virtual programs.
Social distancing: Resource roundup
Updated: 4 May 2021
Implementing and adhering to social distancing measures can be a challenge for archives, libraries, and museums (LAMs) when reopening their facilities. To create enough distance for visitors and staff, LAMs may have to modify or reimagine their spaces and the experiences offered within them. These resources can help to provide guidance on social distancing measures while serving the public and keeping staff safe.
Volunteer and docent management: Resource roundup
Updated: 20 April 2021
Challenging in the best of times, volunteer management has become even more complex during the pandemic. These resources explore strategies for keeping volunteers engaged and maintaining authentic and meaningful relationships while keeping everyone safe. As populations become more vaccinated, these examples may provide inspiration for continuing volunteer activities and relationships that are not reliant on physical space.
Masks: Resource roundup
Updated: 20 April 2021
While mask-wearing policies continue to vary regionally in the United States, libraries, archives, and museums are navigating how to message, enact, and enforce them. This roundup features articles on topics ranging from legal implications to staff training to disability considerations and includes examples of current (and general customer service-oriented) mask policies.
Communication and signage: Resource roundup
Updated: 20 April 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed day-to-day life in unprecedented ways for many people. Employers and employees have played a critical role in helping to prevent further spread of the disease. A crucial aspect of this work lies in how we communicate to our staff and the public. These resources provide examples of relevant communication tools, including signage templates and COVID-19 communication guides.
Materials handling protocols and procedures
Updated: 20 September 2020
A collection of links and resources to provide information about disinfection and cleaning of materials, as well as illustrative examples of documented protocols and procedures.
Public libraries preparing to reopen
Updated: 25 June 2020
The REALM project’s primary aim is to create and distribute science-based, authoritative information to inform decisions designed to reduce risk of transmission of COVID-19 to staff and visitors who are engaging in the delivery or use of archival, library and museum services. This information includes literature reviews of published scientific research and the results of lab testing on a variety of commonly used materials.