Arlington Public Library Catalog, Accounts System Crashes

The Arlington Public Library and Arlington Public Schools catalog and accounts system have crashed, causing the loss of about a week's worth of data.

"It affects our whole catalog, everything in the collection — books, video, music," library spokesman Peter Golkin told Patch. "Everyone's account is inaccessible, so you can't check and see what you have out and what your holds are doing. It also prevents folks from signing on to use the research online databases we have."

The crash affects all activities that took place between Saturday and Thursday, according to an email the library system sent to patrons Friday afternoon. Golkin said the system backup was also lost in the process, complicating matters.

All online services have been suspended, as have late fees.

Libraries will continue to operate on their normal schedule. Patrons can still browse books in person — the library stopped using a paper card catalogue system long ago, Golkin said — and use the library's WiFi or public computers.

Library officials hope to have the system restored by Monday afternoon at the earliest. Privacy has not been compromised, according to the library's email blast. Restoring the system shouldn't result in any significant costs, Golkin said.

"People are really good around here. The goodwill for the public library system in Arlington is second to none," Golkin said. "I guarantee folks understand what we're going through, and that's wonderful. It's a really supportive community for the library."

Arlington Public Schools students and teachers were notified about the crash on Friday, spokesman Frank Bellavia told Patch. The school system shouldn't see much impact from the crash beyond the inconvenience, he said.