LIBRARIES' INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY AND PROCEDURES

ADMINISTRATIVE MEMO #2
Effective January 2002 
Replaces former #2, “Library Emergencies” 

When the campus closes because of inclement weather, the UM Libraries will close.

In the event of snow during Monday through Friday, library staff should check the campus Web site, or call 301 405-1000, 301-405-SNOW (7669) or tune into local radio and television stations beginning at 6:00 am to hear if the University of Maryland, College Park campus is closed or campus opening will be delayed for a specific number of hours.  If no information is given, staff should assume the campus is open. If the campus is closed after library facilities have opened, the Office of the Dean of Libraries will be notified.  Staff will then be alerted to the time of closing. Do not call the Office of the Dean of Libraries. 

In the event of closing due to inclement weather during the evening or weekend, the following procedures will be followed: 

1.  If closing is declared AFTER library facilities have opened:

a. The Assistant Vice President - Facilities Management, in consultation with key Physical Plant staff, will evaluate the weather situation and decide about closing.

b. The Assistant Vice President - Facilities Management will call the Director of Public Services who will notify library staff in the following sequence:

    (1)    McKeldin Information and Research Services (McK Info calls McK Periodicals
         and Government Documents)
    (2)    McKeldin Circulation (McK Circ calls Reserves and Late Night Study) 
    (3)    Branch libraries, Special Collections and Nonprint Media Services 

c. It will be the responsibility of individual units to call staff who are scheduled for later shifts to tell them not to come to work.

d. All facilities should post some kind of signage on their doors indicating that the University has declared a snow emergency closing and noting the time and date.

2.    If the actual closure takes place BEFORE library facilities have opened: 

  Same as above in terms of AVP-Facilities Management calling the library Director of Public Services. 

  The Director of Public Services will call: 

(1) Team leader of McKeldin Information and Research Services, who will call unit heads or designee for Periodicals and Government Documents. 
(2) Team leader of Access Services, who will call unit head or designee for McKeldin Circulation, Reserves, and Late Night Study
(3) Branch heads or designees, who will call staff Unit heads or designees will be responsible for staff assigned to work.

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