FYI

Please note that all Seattle Public Libraries will be closed from August 31 to September 7 because of budget cuts. From their website;

No Library services will be available during the one-week closure.

  • No items will be due and no fines will accrue.
  • The last day to check out Library items or use the book drops before the closure is either Saturday, Aug. 29 or Sunday, Aug. 30, depending which library you use. Please call your branch for more information.
  • No book drops will be open. Do not leave books and items outside Library locations during the closure. You will be responsible for theft, loss or damage to Library items left outside buildings. There is no need to return items during the closure because no items will be due and no fines will accrue.
  • No access to the online catalog. You will not be able to search the catalog or databases, place holds on items, or check your Library record.
  • No access to the Library Web site. No staff members will be working to maintain and troubleshoot problems. The online reference service, databases and other online features will not be available.
  • No Library computers will be available. You will not be able to reserve a computer for the week the Library system is closed.
  • No programs or events in Library meeting rooms.
  • No TeleCirc, the Library's automated telephone service.
  • No Quick Information telephone service.
  • No mail will be received during the closure. The Library will have the U.S. Post Office hold all mail until the Library reopens. Staff won't be available to accept deliveries.
  • No Mobile Services.

Comments

zb said…
And the Northeast branch will be closed from August 23rd to sometime in early October, for corrective renovation of the hold areas.
8/19/09, 3:27 PM
zb said…
And, what's the rational for no access to the online services? Has anyone explained that?

I understand that no one is working, but why should that prevent you from *searching* the catalog?
8/19/09, 3:29 PM
Elizabeth W said…
If all library functions are shutting down, that would include IT services. Large websites with sophisticated databases backing them cannot be relied upon to stay up by themselves.
8/19/09, 6:45 PM
Jet City mom said…
I am just wondering how this works for families who may not have any other access to computers and who need to find updated info for schools, etc.

It just seems like inconvenient timing.
8/19/09, 10:08 PM
zb said…
"Large websites with sophisticated databases backing them cannot be relied upon to stay up by themselves."

Yeah, but I would have liked to do the experiment, just to see what would happen. Will they actually be physically shutting down the computers? That would have the additional benefit of conserving some energy costs, presumably.

I suspect that there is no good answer to when to shut down a vital government function. But, I presume that people without computer access will have to go directly to the schools to find relevant information. There are no other public computer sources (other than the library), no?
8/20/09, 9:26 AM
Vicky said…
City of Seattle Community Technology Programs has posted alternative sites where you can get free access to computers and the Internet. Rather than list them all here, you can get the locations by going to this URL: https://www.seattle.gov/tech

Thanks!
Vicky Yuki
Outreach & Education Coordinator
Community Technology Programs
8/27/09, 11:06 AM
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