NLS Operations Alert no. 11-31 DATE : April 8, 2011 TO : Network Libraries FROM : Carolyn Hoover Sung SUBJECT : Government shutdown and NLS services to patrons and the network As Congress continues to debate legislative options for funding federal agencies, we are closely monitoring the situation. At this time there have been no new developments and the Library's funding will expire tonight at midnight. The Library of Congress and NLS will reopen when funding is authorized. For an orderly shutdown of the Library of Congress, NLS will close the network systems and on-site computers at 4:30 p.m. and the building at 6:00 p.m. eastern daylight time today. Most NLS online services will be taken down between 11:30 p.m. and midnight. During the government shutdown, patrons, and network libraries will not be able to access the following: * BARD * Web-Braille * NLS public website, including the International Union Catalog * Network Library website (formerly PICS) The multistate centers will be open, but network libraries will not be able to order interlibrary loans or supplies through the Network Library website. Requests should be sent via e-mail using the following contact information: East E-mail: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> telephone: (800) 866-6723 West E-mail: [log in to unmask];<mailto:[log in to unmask];> telephone: (800) 272-6729 NLS will re-open when funding is authorized. For more information contact: Carolyn Hoover Sung Chief, Network Division [log in to unmask]