As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spread, a team from the Sheridan Libraries and Museums at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) provided technical support to the JHU Global COVID-19 Dashboard. This paper reflects on the lessons learned from working on a highly publicized, heavily trafficked resource and explores the role of academic libraries in supporting research in the public interest. The authors argue that engagement with projects of this nature not only leverages the existing strengths and expertise of libraries but also positions them to contribute to cutting-edge opportunities in academic institutions.