How do library services respond to sudden closure?

Tali Boardman, a library degree student at Open Polytechnic is currently undertaking a practicum in a cataloguing and technical services team at Wellington City Libraries. The library service recently had a sudden closure of their main central library due to building safety issues. As part of her practicum, Tali is investigating the impact of closure on library staff and their activities.
 
“I thought that there would be a whole bunch of information published, after all Wellington City Libraries is just the latest in the chain of unexpected closures in New Zealand but there is a surprising lack of anyone talking about it - either here or internationally.”
 
Her investigation is mainly focusing on how staff cope with a library closure and continue to perform essential tasks such as the challenge of purchasing and 

cataloguing new material without a consistent delivery address (or docking bay), while in the branches, staff are dealing with increased workloads and upset, angry and seemingly grief-stricken patrons confused by the closure of 'their' library.
 
“I am interested in the impact of sudden library closure from the perspective of the cataloguing, acquisitions and technical services side and the flow-on effects on the branch libraries.
I have been having a good hunt through the library literature, but there appears to be a dearth of information that discusses this particular topic. I have found plenty of information about the value of libraries after disasters and as second responders but nothing really from the library's perspective when they are closed.”
 
Tali would love to hear from anyone who has gone through an unplanned library closure and are  happy to share their experiences. Or if you know of any published research or articles on the topic?  Her final report is due October, and any useful information gathered may be shared through Library Life.
 
Contact Tali at: Tali.Boardman@wcc.govt.nz