October 5, 2007

San José libraries automated systems are back online

Full service restored

San José libraries' automated systems are back online this evening, with full service restored via the library website, SJLibrary.org. Library customers may once again log on to search the online catalog and place requests, access their personal account to check due dates and renew items, conduct research using library databases, access free online tutoring and more.

Continued patience is requested as staff members work to complete the full system recovery process, which will entail data entry for thousands of items renewed or returned during the power outage that began midday on Sept. 30, when power to the computer data center failed. Overdue fines will be waived for items returned Sept. 30 through Oct. 3. Library customers are asked to allow one week (until Oct. 11) to report problems with items returned during this period.

It is not clear what precipitated the power outage. The website and associated systems were kept offline while library and university staff, aided by external consultants, tested each component of the power supply, judiciously replacing parts along the way.

Once reliable power had been restored, the library's IT group began the systematic process of restoring library website services. Work proceeded gradually to ensure data integrity and performance.

Now that library automated systems are back online, library staff will continue to monitor their performance, while investigating both the cost and the means of building in greater redundancy to existing power backup systems in hopes of preventing similar occurrences in the future.