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Seattle Public Library Board of Trustees Policy

SUBJECT: Temporary Facilities for Neighborhood Libraries

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1. The Seattle Public Library is aware that closing a library for remodeling, expansion or rebuilding requires sensitivity to customer service needs, the best use of limited financial resources, re-deployment of staff from closed buildings, decisions about collections in closed buildings, and thorough communication about the changes to customers and staff.

2. Research shows that due to their size and diminished profile in the community, temporary libraries are only minimally functional and appear not to attract much business. Other systems have found that temporary facilities are symbolic of the library's continuing commitment, rather than heavily used services. For this reason, SPL will not normally provide a temporary facility when a branch is closed for construction.

3. As part of planning for each construction project, SPL will evaluate whether to provide a temporary facility. SPL will consider providing a temporary facility only when one or a combination of the following circumstances exist:
   1. the duration of the closure is one year or more;

   2. there are no other libraries in close proximity;

   3. there are overlapping closures which create a significant service gap over a large geographic area; or

   4. there are unique geographic or transportation barriers preventing easy access to open facilities.

4. When a branch library is closed for construction, SPL will:
   1. maintain a presence in communities with closed branches through community programming, school visits and by expanding hours in nearby facilities;

   2. conduct a thorough community relations effort that explains the need for closure, alternate services in each community, location of and public transportation routes to nearby locations, hours expansions in nearby locations, and reserve pickup options; and

   3. provide additional staffing and reserve pick up capability at nearby branches.

APPROVED: _____________________________ DATE ADOPTED: March 27, 2001

Content modified: 28 March 2001

12/30/2005

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