I just want to say that if you work in a library that is planning a phased reopening, and you're one of the lucky ones whose work allows telecommuting, ask what you can do to lessen the burden for your colleagues whose presence is necessary to keep the lights on.

Ask your administration what actions they are taking to keep staffing equitable. Folks in public services are likely the ones hardest hit by cuts to student and hourly workers and they didn't sign up to put their health on the line alone. (Nor are they getting paid enough to.)

I once worked at a place where the HVAC was out all summer. Only some of us were permitted to work from home. Guess who got stuck with the bag - the Circ staff. And if there wasn't already a feeling of upstairs/downstairs, there sure as hell was after that summer.

And this situation now isn't just a matter of getting sweaty and bored in a building no one wants to be in. It's lives on the line. No one group of people should have to be stuck with that.

So if you're able, I strongly urge you to stand in solidarity with your colleagues and advocate for a more equitable shift system that everyone who wants to can take part in.

If you have to reopen before things are fully safe, you at least don't have to let this pandemic create an insurmountable rift within your institution.

I should also say that during that HVAC-less summer I was one of the fortunate ones who got to work from home. And I didn't question what my colleagues were being unfairly asked to do. And I still wrestle with how crappy I felt the entire time + afterwards. So be better than me.

Also lots of accolades and thanks to @maxgbowman who talks so thoughtfully about staffing equity and has for sure impacted my view of the library as a system. If we want to erase silos we have to stand with each other.