Wednesday, January 10, 2007

New Library Management System at ERL

In March 2007, Eastern Regional Libraries will commence using a new Library management system.

ERL is a member of the Swift Library Consortium and has been one of the original libraries involved in the project since its inception. By July 2007 there will be nine libraries running live on the SirsiDynix Unicorn library management system and already another five libraries have signed up to join the Consortium in 2007/2008.

The new system will mean improved functionality for staff and also offer our customers improved features through the Public Catalogue (called iBistro). These features will include:
  • Improved search functions and access to items held by other libraries in the Swift Consortium
  • Alerts for new items that match your interests
  • Enhanced reservation facilities and payment of charges on pick up only.
  • Clearer summary of user account information
  • Status of reservations will be easily seen with an option to cancel reservations
  • Easier renewal of items on loan
  • Display of Bill/Account information
  • Change of address form
  • "Find it Fast" to allows visual searches of the catalogue
  • Enhanced contents information including book covers, book reviews and contents of titles
  • Descriptive locations of items available in the library
  • "Nearby items on shelves" option – show other titles in the same general area of your search
  • Recommended reading lists
  • Email notification of overdue and reservation notices.
The expected date for ERL to go live is March 15 2007, the first library to do so in the Swift Consortium.

Due to the nature of such a major conversion and update, there will some minimal disruption to service to the public during the final conversion stage of the project in March. We will keep you notified of dates when they are confirmed. This is the first major upgrade of the library management system undertaken at ERL for over 20 years.

Margaret Hall
I.C.T. MANAGER

No comments: