Dear Colleagues,

Hope this message finds you all well.

The past few months saw libraries in different parts of the world preparing for their reopenings. To collaboratively tackle the challenges, libraries may refer to various resources developed by library professional associations and learn from the experiences of other libraries.

IFLA’s COVID-19 and the Global Library Field webpage has a list of resources which include a section dedicated to reopening libraries. The webpage is updated twice a week. It is based on publicly available information and those submitted to IFLA. If you have any useful examples you may share them at updates@ifla.org.

The ALA: Planning for Reopening Resources also include a checklist for reopening of libraries and links to reopening plans of various states and nations.

There are webinars for libraries to exchange experience and ideas. ALA International Relations Round Tables organized a webinar series in June on Libraries Reopening: A Perspective of Best Practices from Around the World in the Time of COVID-19. Libraries in Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Mexico, Qatar, Netherlands, Sweden and Australia shared how they addressed and were currently addressing the reopening of libraries during the challenging time of COVID-19. Webinar recordings are viewable at

http://www.ala.org/rt/irrt/initiatives

Back in our region, IFLA Asia and Oceania Section jointly organized a webinar with TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) in May focussing on misinformation amid COVID-19 pandemic (https://youtu.be/dGTda7v50us). This July issue of our e-newsletter will feature how libraries in Australia, Hong Kong and Malaysia cope with the COVID-19.

The COVID-19 has not only brought us exceptional challenges but also opportunities for us to survive and thrive. Under the IFLA Global Vision, we will continue to work together and support each other.

May you and your families be safe and healthy!

Tina Yang

Chair, IFLA Regional Standing Committee of Asia and Oceania