Library Services Update Related to COVID-19

[tcassidy]

Dear Colleagues,
This message is intended to provide timely communication with practical instructions to support continued library operations, not create alarm. As you are aware, this public health situation is changing daily; guidance and updated information can be found from the VDH and CDC.

• System Office operations and access to online library resources, Ex Libris systems, and Questionpoint chat reference service continue as normal at this time. Our vendors are committed to delivering these services without interruption. If the System Office closes unexpectedly, Emily and I are prepared to work remotely.
  

• As of March 9, 2020, VCCS leadership has not recommended canceling any events. If System Office staff are notified that in-person meetings pose a risk to attendees, or significant travel restrictions are put in place, we will modify/cancel the meeting and update participants accordingly.  
  

• If your college unexpectedly closes in response to COVID-19, the System Office can help your users avoid overdue or lost notifications/fines for circulating library materials that would become due during an unexpected closing. In this situation, please send a support ticket to advise that you are closing unexpectedly and include the following:
  
  1. Projected closed dates
     
  2. Campus locations impacted
     
  3. Currently circulating materials due date range to change
     
  4. New due date for currently circulating materials.
     

Links
Library Services support ticket system
QuestionPoint System Status
Ex Libris NA04 System Status
EBSCO System Status
ProQuest System Status

-Tara

[mfein]

Tara,

Many thanks!!!

Mike

[jwalz]

Dear Colleagues,
This message is intended to provide timely communication with practical instructions to support continued library operations, not create alarm. As you are aware, this public health situation is changing daily; guidance and updated information can be found from the VDH and CDC.

• System Office operations and access to online library resources, Ex Libris systems, and Questionpoint chat reference service continue as normal at this time. Our vendors are committed to delivering these services without interruption. If the System Office closes unexpectedly, Emily and I are prepared to work remotely.
  

• As of March 9, 2020, VCCS leadership has not recommended canceling any events. If System Office staff are notified that in-person meetings pose a risk to attendees, or significant travel restrictions are put in place, we will modify/cancel the meeting and update participants accordingly.  
  

• If your college unexpectedly closes in response to COVID-19, the System Office can help your users avoid overdue or lost notifications/fines for circulating library materials that would become due during an unexpected closing. In this situation, please send a support ticket to advise that you are closing unexpectedly and include the following:
  
  1. Projected closed dates
     
  2. Campus locations impacted
     
  3. Currently circulating materials due date range to change
     
  4. New due date for currently circulating materials.
     

Links
Library Services support ticket system
QuestionPoint System Status
Ex Libris NA04 System Status

-Tara

Thank you for providing clear direction and information!   That is so helpful!

Jennifer

[tcassidy]

Good afternoon, everyone! First, a standing ovation to you for continuing to support your college during this confusing and stressful week. Second, I'm beyond sorry that it took such a crisis to highlight the value of college libraries, but here we are.

The most recent  College Library Operating Status updates are in orange:
http://library.vccs.edu/forum/showthread.php?tid=3754 (as of 9 p.m. on 3/30)

Beginning 4/1/2020, I will offer an informal, non-recorded Zoom meeting for any interested library staff to connect each week on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.  [Zoom details below]. This is intended to support library teleworkers during the current COVID-19 disruption, and provide an opportunity to talk, listen, compare notes, ask questions, and connect across colleges with colleagues who are finding their way.

Join Zoom Meeting - Library Staff Drop-in
Time: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Meeting URL: https://vccs.zoom.us/j/362402069
Meeting ID: 362 402 069
Dial: US: +1 646 558 8656 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 346 248 7799


-Tara