In a news release sent Thursday, Daviess County Public Library announced they have completed a full inventory material currently on their shelves, enabling them to know what items are and are not in the building.
“Currently, we are working on material that we received after April 30, 2018,” said DCPL Director Erin Waller. “That process is going smoothly and we hope to have those items added back to our catalog in a few days.”
The release comes on the heels of a three-day closure due to a ransomware attack where the library’s information was encrypted and would not be released without six bitcoin, a type of digital currency, which is the equivalent of around $30,000. The library refused to pay the ransom and relied on data back-ups to restore their information.
Starting Friday, patrons should expect to be able to use the library as they are accustomed to, Waller said.
“The exception will be that online access to their accounts will not be available until June 1,” Waller said, adding that this does not include access to digital material, which is currently available. “Luckily, we are not charging overdue fines during the month of May, so patrons should not be concerned about their item’s due date during this month.”
According to Waller, the best way for patrons to get their accounts “in good and current shape” is to return any check out material before May 31.
“If they would like to renew something for a due date in June, we ask that they bring those items into the library for us to scan them for renewal,” she said.
Once patrons have access to their online accounts, DCPL said they should be prepared to re-enter their any material they had on hold.
“Hopefully, by June 1 we will have most new items reentered in our system for them to place holds on,” she said. “If they need to hold something in May, we ask that they please call us and let us locate and pull the item for them.”
According to the release, Henderson County Public Library and Warren County Public Library sent staff to help inventory.
Waller thanked DCPL staff, board members and patrons for their support while dealing with the cybersecurity attack.
“I promise we are working diligently to get their accounts back in good shape and the catalog back to a place they can easily find what they are looking for,” she said. “Hopefully by June 1 everything will be back to a normal place for everyone.”
