COVID-19 AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR LIBRARIES IN PAKISTAN: A COMMENTARY.

Objective: The prime aim of this study is to review the preventive measures for libraries in current pandemic of COVID-19 in the world and suggest special safety procedures for libraries in Pakistan. Material and Methods: Content analysis approach was used to review the available web literature about the current position of libraries during and after COVID-19. Efforts were made to comment the preventive measures adopted by various library associations and leading libraries of the world. Results: Being a social entity, libraries in Pakistan need to adopt the COVID-19 precautionary measures as in practice in the world libraries. The library practitioners in our country have to follow the same Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in libraries for safety of their users as operated by the international library communities. Library staff and patrons should be trained to safeguard the lives of the society. The various library associations of the country should have to come forward and work for the survival of our libraries in this difficult time through awareness campaign on social media and WhatsApp groups. Online training sessions can also be arranged for the COVID-19 literacy of the library staff and library clientele. Conclusion: The adoption of COVID-19 precautionary measures in libraries will result into a better library culture. These practices will control the spread of this contagious virus to ensure a safe and healthy Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]