So my comment is not relevant, and should be ignored. Managing the metadata of this scale is certainly no easy task without computer systems.
So my comment is not relevant, and should be ignored. Managing the metadata of this scale is certainly no easy task without computer systems.
To be able to query materials across the library system, handle reservations and item transfers, and so much more these computers absolutely need to be networked.
Perhaps you meant "don't need to be connected to the Internet", but I would wager a majority of the library's patrons search the library's catalog online rather than coming in person.
In the case of digital loans, moat patrons want to download their digital books onto their personal devices - over the internet, so clearly the library services need to talk to an online service.
Any resident of King County* can get an SPL (Seattle Public Library) card, due to a reciprocal agreement between SPL and KCLS (King County Library System).
* with an exception for a couple of towns within KC which are not part of KCLS, from https://www.spl.org/using-the-library/get-started/get-starte...:
"If you live, work, go to school or own property in King County (even outside the city of Seattle) you qualify for a free Seattle Public Library card through our reciprocal agreement with the King County Library System. (The only exceptions are the towns of Hunts Point and Yarrow Point, which are not part of the King County Library System.)".
And indeed, as already mentioned in a sibling comment, most counties have reciprocal agreements with both SPL and other counties' library systems too.
We are able to check out physical books, but can't return them. And we can't place new holds/requests for books to be sent to our branch.
But I think it's understandable why they chose not to.