Notifying Readers

[Danuta Nitecki <danuta.nitecki@YALE.EDU>]

Attention Public Service Site Supervisors/Managers:

I've spoken to some of you by phone, and hope by this message to reach others
supervising public service units.   I am concerned to have a way to communicate
to our readers who may wish to come use the libraries and are trying to find
out ahead if we are open for services during this weather alert.  In case we
have difficulty staffing service sites all hours we are scheduled later today
or tomorrow, I'm doing the following and seek your assistance.

1. The following message will  be posted on the Library Front Door; others are
welcome to use it on other sites.  [BE SURE TO REMOVE IT AFTER THE STORM
HOWEVER.]
        During this period of uncertain weather, as long as the University is
open, the library staff will make every effort to be open as scheduled.  Before
visiting a specific library, please call the posted numbers to confirm that the
library is open for services.  Contact numbers may be found at the following
url: http://www.library.yale.edu/htmldocs/servcontacts.html
[updated LAS 3/5/01]

2. For those service units having recorded telephone messages about hours of
services, please be sure that they are accurate to reflect the spring recess
schedule, but also to add a similar message as above.  I suggest the recording
be introduced with:
        During this period of uncertain weather, as long as the university is
open, the library staff will make every effort to be open as scheduled.  Before
visiting a specific library, please call its posted numbers to confirm that the
library is open for services.  We have updated this message on Monday, March 5,
2001.   Our normal hours of service during this week are.....

3.  Post signs, as appropriate to the same effect.

In these ways, if a service site cannot be opened for service, we hope to
minimize inconvenience to those hoping we are open.  Also, for those at other
service points, we will be able to confirm if a site is open before referring
readers to it.

These actions do not change the status of the library's services as described
in the message sent earlier by Scott Bennett.  Again, the University’s extreme
weather policy may be consulted at:

http://www.yale.edu/hronline/exweath.htm

The Library’s procedures for implementing that weather policy may be consulted
at:

http://www.library.yale.edu/jobs/Communications/Extweather.html

Supervisors are urged to review these contingencies and sources of information
with library staff.

Thanks for your cooperation and commitment to reader services.
Danuta