The Alexandria Library’s doors were open to the public well into the start of the pandemic. During this time, staff were receiving many mixed messages about COVID-19 symptoms and there was not an easy and reliable way to monitor health symptoms. The CDC offered a health checker through their website but for staff with no or unreliable internet, health symptoms could only be checked upon arrival to the library. Additionally, staff felt uncomfortable sharing health information with the CDC.

The Symptom Checker smartphone app was developed by the HR manager with input from Alexandria Library leadership. The goals of the app were to keep staff and the public safe, encourage staff to monitor their health daily, educate staff on COVID-19 symptoms and for staff to make a smart decision about working on-site. At the time the app was launched, there was nothing like it available. The app is simple, easy-to-use and does not require extra resources.

Because the smartphone app was designed to be confidential, it is not possible to see how many staff downloaded and are using the phone app. The app also functions as a website. The Symptom Checker saw over 1,700 visits since launch in May 2020. This indicates that staff are actively engaged, regularly monitoring their health and are informed about when they should and should not report on-site for work. The library anticipates continuous use until a COVID-19 vaccine is developed and administered.