[Michlib-l] REALM Project (Battelle, OCLC and IMLS Study)

[Debbie Mikula]

The first findings of the REALM Project (conducted and funded by Battelle, OCLC, and IMLS) to produce science-based information to help mitigate exposure shows that COVID-19 is undetectable on five highly circulated library materials after three (3) days.

Those materials include: the cover of hardcover books (buckram cloth), the cover of softback books, plain paper pages inside a closed book, mylar protective book cover jackets, and plastic DVD cases.

Battelle tests found the virus undetectable after one day on the covers of hardback and softback books as well as the DVD case. The virus was undetectable on the paper inside of a book and mylar book jackets after three days.

The output of the REALM Project, both the systematic literature review and the lab test results, give library workers the information they need to make practical, informed decisions as they reopen their spaces and resume their services.

Battelle will be initiating lab testing on an additional five materials this month, with results expected by the end of July.
Read more here: https://www.imls.gov/news/research-shows-virus-undetectable-five-highly-circulated-library-materials-after-three-days
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