USA und Covid-19: Initiative "Protect library workers"

In den USA hat sich die Initiative "Protect library workers" (Hashtag #closethelibraries) gebildet, die sich für die Gesundheit von Bibliotheksmitarbeiter*innen in der Corona-Krise einsetzt.

The American Library Association, state library associations, and state/regional library agencies have all advocated for keeping library staff at home. "We are grieving alongside our colleagues as libraries are forced to close in the face of COVID-19," EveryLibrary's March 18 statement reads. "But the threats to our communities’ health are too significant not to close, and we do not want to see a single library worker fall ill because of their job."

However, even in extreme circumstances — the Houston (TX) Public Library has a confirmed COVID-19 case on staff and its workers are still expected to come in to work in the building, using paper towels and rubber bands to fashion protective masks — these organizations have largely not stepped up to defend workers.

As of March 28, 2020, there are still hundreds of libraries, both academic and public, in the United States that are sending employees to work despite stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders enacted at the local or state level.

Viele Bibliotheksmitarbeiter*innen müssten zwischen der eigenen Gesundheit und der Gesundheit ihres Umfelds auf der einen Seite und ihrem Gehalt und Lebensunterhalt auf der anderen Seite wählen, so die Initiative.