Background

Because student library staff members generally live on campus and can safely reach the building without driving, the Music Library will remain open in cases of severe weather, regardless of whether the music librarian is present. Student staff members living off campus should exercise good judgement when deciding whether to attempt to travel to campus. While student staff members are expected to work their regular shifts, they should also be flexible and generous in covering shifts of other students who deem the conditions too dangerous to drive to campus or are otherwise delayed by the inclement weather.

For information on university-wide severe weather policies, refer to Policy File Document 858.2 and the Furman University Directory.

I. Library schedule

1. When the university has announced Plan A (8:00 classes cancelled, university opens at 9:00FS/9:15W) the Music Library will open at 9:00.
2. When the university has announced Plan B (8:00, 9:00, and 9:25 classes are cancelled, university opens at 10:00FS/10:30W) the Music Library will open at 10:00.
3. When day classes are cancelled (i.e., the university is closed) the Music Library will normally open at 10:00.
4. In case of extreme weather where transportation is not possible (roads are closed, etc.) and walking on campus is hazardous, the library will be closed.
5. If evening classes are cancelled, or if an announcement has been made to cancel classes on the following day, the library may be closed as early as 5:00 p.m. or at any time thereafter.
6. If severe weather occurs on the weekend, the library will generally be open unless the student worker lives off campus. If the highway patrol has issued a travel advisory, student workers who live off campus should find a substitute and call the music librarian at home.
7. During academic breaks, if the announcement is made that the university is closed, then the library will be closed

2. Decisions and Communication

1. Final decision on library hours during severe weather will be made by the music librarian. If the music librarian is not available then the decision will be made by the associate director. If both have a planned absence then the Director of Libraries will be designated as the decision maker
2. The schedule of classes meeting in the seminar room and in the computer lab will be taken into consideration in all decisions relating altered hours that do not correspond to the announced University schedule (such as opening late if the music librarian and student staff are unavailable).
3. In deciding when and if the library will open, the music librarian will confer with the student assistant scheduled for the morning shifts. If the music librarian is out of town, the student assistant scheduled to open will contact the associate director or director.
4. In deciding if the library will close early, the music librarian will confer with the afternoon and evening student assistants. If the music librarian is not available, the student assistant on duty when weather conditions begin to deteriorate will confer with the associate director or with the director if the associate director is not available.
5. Once a decision about hours has been made, the music librarian will record the hours on voicemail. Library staff members, as well as other members of the university community, can then find out about library hours by calling 3797 and listening to voice mail.
6. When the library is opening late or closing early, the music librarian or a designated student assistant will attempt to contact student workers to tell them whether and when to report. Students will be expected to work their regularly-scheduled hours when the library is open.
7. The music librarian will contact the Music Department Office and Public Safety to inform them about any changes in library hours.
8. If the library closes early, the music librarian or a designated student will post a sign to that effect on the front door.
9. During winter term, an abbreviated version of this policy will be posted on the front door of the library.

For additional information, contact the music librarian.