From the Washington Secretary of State:
The Washington State Library is announcing public service changes that go into effect Feb. 1.
“Over the past two decades, the role of the Washington State Library has evolved from serving as a traditional public library to that of a research library,” said State Librarian Cindy Aden. “ Understanding this change, the State Library soon will be altering our service delivery to meet our patrons’ demand to access our unique collection for research in the area of Pacific Northwest government, history and culture.”
The changes include:
- The State Library’s front lobby will become a State Information Hub featuring two computer stations that allow 10 minutes of use, easy hold pickups and a State Library staff person on hand who can help with quick questions and referrals. The Hub’s hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
- The library’s Reading Room on the second floor will be open by appointment only to people engaged in active collection usage and research. Public computer terminals will no longer be available for unlimited use. Appointments to use the library for a quiet place to work or to use the public Wi-Fi will be available depending on staff availability.
- The Reading Room will be newly configured to include designated space for collaboration and research appointments. A small break room will allow researchers not using collection materials to eat and drink onsite without interrupting their research time.
- Library subject specialists will be available by appointment to consult on research topics including federal, state and local government, Pacific Northwest history, and genealogy.
“These changes will help our library staff focus more time on helping researchers, genealogists, history buffs and any other members of the public who want to access and utilize our collections,” Aden said. “Meanwhile, we’ll have a staff person at our new Information Hub who is ready to help patrons find what they need.”
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