‘Order and collect’ the new norm for Moray libraries
Moray Council is planning an ‘order and collect’ only service for its libraries during the initial phase of re-opening.
Scottish Government guidance states libraries can now re-open, subject to any changes needed that minimise the risk of infection.
However, a number of Moray’s library staff have been redeployed throughout the pandemic in vital Covid-19 response services, such as grocery delivery to shielding residents and the Grampian Coronavirus Assistance Hub.
As demand for these response services is reducing, planning is under way for staff to return to their usual library and information services role and to safely re-open libraries.
This means implementing an enhanced cleaning and sanitisation programme and devising an ordering system for the new ‘order and collect’ service.
Staff need to be trained in these new systems while the council also maintains a Covid-19 response team.
Libraries will offer the ‘order and collect’ service in a phased roll-out by the end of August, starting with Elgin library.
A council spokesperson said: “While there’s still a need for the Covid-19 response work to continue we know that re-opening our libraries will be a real boost for people who have missed that service for four months now.
“The phased re-introduction of library services allows for a controlled re-opening and means we can offer this service in a safe way.”
The dates for the phased re-opening of libraries and full ‘order and collect’ details will be published within the next three weeks.