Library Workers Resolution on CUNY Libraries Reopening of Physical Space

CUNY Library Workers,

Stand with your union colleagues and pledge your support for the library resolution passed unanimously on May 13 by the Delegate Assembly of the Professional Staff Congress. By adding your name and workplace to this public list you commit to enforcing the PSC Safety Standards and to opposing the reopening of CUNY libraries’ physical spaces before these standards have been met. Show your solidarity and add your name now!

Resolution on CUNY Libraries Reopening of Physical Space

Whereas, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a threat to the health and safety of all New Yorkers; and

Whereas, CUNY has affirmed prioritizing the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff above all else as a primary objective (https://www.cuny.edu/coronavirus/university-updates/planning-for-an-in-person-fall-2021/); and

Whereas, the PSC Health and Safety Watchdogs have undertaken extensive research into the safe reopening of physical campus spaces and issued standards for reopening; and

Whereas, in addition to online research resources and services, the CUNY community needs access to physical library collections and spaces, which support a variety of unique, non-classroom space configurations where the CUNY community gathers; and

Whereas CUNY has yet to provide safe and healthful workspace conditions for library workers; be it therefore

Resolved, that the PSC opposes the reopening of CUNY libraries’ physical spaces to library users and workers of any title, rank, or status before PSC Health and Safety Watchdogs standards, including HVAC, have been met, documented, and library worker safety ensured; and

Resolved, that the PSC calls on the University Administration to coordinate library reopenings centrally in consultation with library faculty to maintain the consortial system of libraries that CUNY faculty, staff, and students on all campuses require and to ensure all CUNY students have equitable resource access regardless of campus affiliation; and

Resolved, that the PSC asserts that neither responsibility for masking and social distancing policy enforcement in the libraries nor the work of cleaning shall fall to library faculty and staff; and

Resolved, that the PSC calls on the University Administration to minimize the introduction of infection in non-classroom spaces by requiring for entry into CUNY libraries’ physical spaces either proof of complete vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within the timeframe established by the Centers for Disease Control.

List in progress. Updated 9:45 AM, 5.27.21