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Gatherings of an Infovore*: COVID-19–Relevant News, WFH Suggestions, Management Tips, and a Few Lighter Posts

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As we all know the world is coping with a health crisis of uncommon proportions. The coronavirus pandemic has forced many professionals into semi-isolation to stem the spread of the disease. We have all read more than our share of research articles and news reports filled with data, extrapolations, and forecasts for the U.S. and the world. Closer to home, professionals in publishing have made occasional telecommuting a daily work mode. And organizations in the information, library, and publishing communities have put forth their best efforts to alleviate some of the stresses the pandemic has put on the global communications system.

In this column I have gathered up a variety of resources focused on how to make the most of telecommuting from the perspectives of both staff and managers. My goal is to provide each Science Editor reader with at least one useful resource as we strive to continue publishing quality and timely information despite our current situation. Do let me know if you have found anything in your readings that can be shared with the SE community. You can send me an email at MCSone@verizon.net. Thanks!


Before getting to the work resources I want to share a few publishing and information related news posts:

A Parallel Pandemic: The Crush of COVID-19 Publications Tests the Capacity of Scientific Publishing
https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2020/05/26/a-parallel-pandemic-the-crush-of-covid-19-publications-tests-the-capacity-of-scientific-publishing/

OCLC’s COVID-19 Page Brings Together Resources to Help Libraries Serve Their Communities During the Pandemic
https://www.oclc.org/en/news/releases/2020/20200331-oclc-covid-19-page-brings-together-resources.html

COVID-19: Response from the Information Community
https://www.niso.org/niso-io/2020/03/covid-19-response-information-community
NOTE: This news and resource page from NISO is updated frequently.

The Internet Archive Chooses Readers
https://scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org/2020/04/02/the-internet-archive-chooses-readers/?informz=1

Publishers Sue Internet Archive over Free e-Books
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/01/books/internet-archive-emergency-library-coronavirus.html


The newest acronym in our world is “WFH” (work from home). For some, this is nothing new; for others, it’s a challenge which could be terrific or terrifying. Here is a collection of posts focused on how to make the best of the situation whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to WHF:

New Ways to Work in a Pandemic
https://www.annualreviews.org/shot-of-science/story/work-home-covid

A Guide to Managing Your (Newly) Remote Workers
https://hbr.org/2020/03/a-guide-to-managing-your-newly-remote-workers

What It Takes to Run a Great Virtual Meeting
https://hbr.org/2020/03/what-it-takes-to-run-a-great-virtual-meeting
NOTE: The Harvard Business Review is not Open Access; however, you can register to have access to two articles at a time for free. You can register again for another two if need be.

7 Tips for Maintaining Work-Life Balance During the COVID-19 Crisis
https://info.reprintsdesk.com/about/blog/7-tips-for-maintaining-work-life-balance-during-the-covid-19-crisis

Working From Home? 7 Smart Tips to Help You Get More Done
https://www.fastcompany.com/90476020/working-from-home-7-smart-tips-to-help-you-get-more-done

These 7 Exceptional Apps Will Optimize Your Work-From-Home Life
https://www.fastcompany.com/90492828/these-7-exceptional-apps-will-optimize-your-work-from-home-life

Are You and Your Partner or Spouse Both Working at Home? Here’s How to Stay Sane
https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/working-at-home-remote-work-partner-spouse-ground-rules-boundaries.html

How to Do Thoughtful Work When You Just Can’t Focus
https://www.fastcompany.com/90512770/how-to-do-thoughtful-work-when-you-just-cant-focus

Infographic—COVID-19: The State of Home & Work-Life Balance
http://www.dailyinfographic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/COVID19-Infographic.png


Need a break? Several organizations have put together virtual tours to help you relax and regroup. There are other interesting diversions online as well. Here’s just a sampling:

12 World-Class Museums You Can Visit Online
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/75809/12-world-class-museums-you-can-visit-online

9 Classic Board Games You Can Play Online
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/621061/classic-board-games-to-play-online

Here Are the Funniest Memes About Working from Home During the Coronavirus Outbreak
https://www.fastcompany.com/90476005/here-are-the-funniest-memes-about-working-from-home-during-the-coronavirus-breakout

Stuck at Home Because of Coronavirus? How to Get Your Art and Design Fix from Your Couch
https://www.fastcompany.com/90475447/stuck-at-home-because-of-coronavirus-how-to-get-your-art-and-design-fix-from-your-couch

15 Ways to Fight Boredom and Anxiety Amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic
 https://www.forbes.com/sites/heathermorgan/2020/03/17/15-ways-to-fight-boredom-and-anxiety-amidst-the-coronavirus-pandemic/#4b9fb5be15ef

5 People Who Were Amazingly Productive in Quarantine
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/620764/productive-people-in-quarantine

Inspirational TV Shows to Watch During this Pandemic
https://blog.oup.com/2020/04/inspirational-tv-shows-to-watch-during-this-pandemic


Finally, the website CALM has a page of free resources you might like to dip into so that we can …

Look After Ourselves, and Each Other
https://www.calm.com/blog/take-a-deep-breath

* A person who indulges in and desires information gathering and interpretation. The term was introduce