Searching, renewing & placing holds is going to get a whole lot cooler with BookMyne

Just thought I'd let you know that we're working on configuring the SirsiDynix BookMyne app for our library catalogue. BookMyne is a free app available through iTunes and developed for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. It allows you to search the catalogue, renew, place holds and check your account with a simplified screen.

Check out the SirsiDynix BookMyne site. I'll keep you notified as to when it's ready, could be in the next week or two.

Cheers, Maryanne

Update - New Library Computer System

Well it's not long to go before we start using the new library system. I want to advise you of some of the changes that will be happening.

March 10-15
From March 10-15 there will be no access to the web catalogue i.e. no renewals, no reservations via the web. Members will need to phone or visit the branch to renew and reserve.

March 16
The LIVE DATE will be 16th March.

All members will automatically receive a PIN number to replace the current password. Members will need to contact the library after 16th March to obtain their new PIN. We will be setting up a form on the library website where you may request your PIN to be sent to you via email.

Changes to charges
Changes will be occurring in the following areas:

• Overdue charges will be 15c per item - up to $5 for junior items and up to $10 for adult items.
• Reservations charges will be paid at time of pick up not when the reservation is placed.

A message from Joseph Cullen, Chief Executive of Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation:

"Being part of the Swift Consortium offers our library customers wider access to library materials. The Unicorn system has improved customer service features which will benefit members of the public. This is an exciting time for Eastern Regional Libraries and we look forward to implementing further improvements in the next twelve months."

We will advise you of the progress and any further changes as we get closer to the live date. I'm currently preparing a new set of catalogue tutorials that I will make available once the new catalogue is live.

Cheers, Maryanne

New library system

Hi everyone,
I'm back from holidays and I'm ready to blog! Thanks to Jayson for taking care of things while I was away. A lot of things will be happening in the next couple of months. As I previously blogged, Eastern Regional Libraries will be changing to a new library computer system and catalogue in March.

We will be updating you on the progress of the new library system and make any announcements on the blog and on the library website.

The new system will mean improved functionality for staff and also offer our customers improved features through the Public Catalogue (called iBistro).

Some of the great features include:

• Improved search functions and access to items held by other libraries in the Swift Consortium
• Email notification of overdue and reservation notices.
• 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
• Display of Bill/Account information
• 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
  

Cheers, Maryanne

New Harry Potter

Hello everyone, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

First up, I've just received news that we have created a record for the new Harry Potter - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. As yet the publication date is not known however you can place your reservations with library staff. Note that the system will not allow you to place reservations through the web catalogue on this title yet as there are no copies.

While I'm talking about catalogues, the library will be using a new library system starting in March. The new system is called SirsiDynix Unicorn (catalogue is called iBistro). In the coming weeks I will let you know about the great new features Eastern Regional Libraries will be offering with the new system.

Cheers, Maryanne