Bed Bug Training for Library Staff Jenny Pierce

Bed Bug Training for Library Staff Jenny Pierce Pikes Peak Library District

Why are we talking about bed bugs? • Increase in the prevalence of bed bugs over the past 20 years – Travel – Used-goods market – Resistance to commercial pesticides • Difficult to eradicate • Found in all types of public buildings

Why are we talking about bed bugs? • Libraries are dealing with bed bugs and will continue to do so • Circulating materials provide a good method for bed bugs to move from one location to another – Stay in a residence for several days or weeks – Often left on beds, sofas, night stands, floors – Lots of crevices and hiding places in books, DVD and CD cases

The Human Factor… • Most people are not able to up and move if in an infested residence • Effective treatment requires – Professional exterminators – Diligent residents – Conscientious landlords/owners • Focus on empathy when interacting with patrons – Help staff understand the importance of maintaining patron privacy and the emotional and financial difficulty of dealing with a bed bug infestation – For staff training, humor can increase attention and decrease fear

What is PPLD doing about bed bugs? • Staff Training – Identification, removal, follow up – In-person training for most public services staff – Training video • Staff Resources – Procedures/resources page on the staff intranet – Supplies – Custom ILS reports to expedite finding materials • returned by the patron in the past 60 -90 days • in contact with the problem item in the bookdrop or bin • Public Resources – Bed Bug FAQ and Guidelines on PPLD. org • Adapted from Monroe County (MI) Library System • Prevention/Treatment links • Contact form for further questions

Supplies Bagged vacuum ID cards Magnifying glass with light and higher magnification secondary lens Furniture bags Airtight bins

Developing a bed bug plan for your library • Gain support from leadership – Resources – Staff commitment – Importance of being proactive • Information for your leadership team, Bo. T, Public Relations – Develop a press statement so your leadership has a response ready – Which staff are key contacts? • Develop training with input from multiple departments – – – Circulation staff Communications staff Library managers or supervisors Staff trainer Facilities manager

Developing a bed bug plan for your library • Hands-on training for staff that interact with patrons and materials – Consider different learning styles – Consider different responsibilities • • Managers and supervisors Facilities staff – furniture/shelving treatment, contact exterminators Interlibrary Loan staff Friends of the Library • Awareness piece for all staff – Everyone is an ambassador for the library – One person can have a big effect • Nextdoor. com • Friends and family • Social groups • Resources for patrons

Developing a bed bug plan for your library • Hands-on training for staff that interact with patrons and materials – Consider different learning styles

Helpful resources for libraries Great presentation from Sarah Kittrell/Wichita Public Library http: //www. ala. org/pla/sites/ala. org. pla/files/content/onlinelearning/webin ars/archive/PLA_Kittrell_Dont-let-the-bed-bugs-bite_Final. pdf Contra Costa Health Services has links to resources for tenants, landlords, homeowners, health professionals, pest management professionals, schools, travelers http: //cchealth. org/bedbugs/ Thorough article from the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program http: //ipm. ucanr. edu/PDF/PESTNOTES/pnbedbugs. pdf