North Shore libraries getting smarter

May 9, 2005

North Shore Libraries has banded together with four other councils across Auckland to put in a system that will give a wider range of easy-to-use services.

North Shore City and Rodney libraries will be the first to ‘go live’ with the new computer system – dubbed Smarter Systems - on June 16.

The catalogue system in particular will make it easier for people to interact with libraries, says North Shore City library services manager, Geoff Chamberlain.

“Instead of having to look at databases in different locations to see if the book they want is available, people will now be able to search for all copies in one place,” he says.

“All the searches people do can now be saved, so they don’t have to go through the same process each time, and they can also keep a record of what they’ve read in the past that only they can access.”

Library users can also access the new catalogue from home – to do everything from look at which books they have out and when they are due, to renewing them.

A new email alert service can even notify people when a new title matching their saved searches is ordered, so they can keep up with what is available.

“There will be some disruption to library services while the system is installed, but we are trying to make the transition as easy as possible,” says Mr Chamberlain.

On June 14 and 15 all North Shore Libraries will be open, but will be operating with reduced services. People will still be able to check items out and join the library.

The mobile library will also be off the road on those days, with normal service resuming on June 16.

On June 16 all North Shore Libraries will be closed until midday. To make sure that customers are not penalised, loan periods on all books borrowed from May 23 will be extended.

ENDS

© Scoop Media