29 September 2011

New service opens up libraries 24/7

It’s about to get easier for borrowers and researchers to access the contents of many public libraries, thanks to a new service being coordinated by the National Library of New Zealand.

“Kōtui is a shared service that provides participating New Zealand public libraries with an affordable, efficient option to help them manage their collections,” said National Librarian, Bill Macnaught.

“Kōtui makes it possible to search most resources of a public library – books, e-books, dvds, magazines etc - from a single access point, such as a computer or smart phone, from home, school or business, or from within the library. The service also allows people to view the digital items online or put a hold on the print items they want to borrow. “

The service is available to all New Zealand public libraries on a subscription basis from the National Library, which is mandated to supplement and further the work of other libraries in New Zealand. The National Library also coordinates the Aotearoa Peoples Network Kaharoa, which helps provides free internet access to more than 130 public libraries and marae across the country.

Marlborough District Libraries is the first of 15 public libraries in New Zealand to implement Kōtui and goes live today, with a further 14 public libraries to roll-out the service over the next two years.

The Kōtui service comprises four components: a system to manage a library’s physical items (provided by SirsiDynix), a search facility across a library’s physical and electronic items (provided by EBSCO Publishing’s EBSCO Electronic Discovery Service), and a centralised data hosting service (provided by Computer Concepts Ltd) The National Library provides the fourth component, the New Zealand based support and administrative function for the Kōtui service.

The concept and delivery of the Kōtui shared service is the result of collaboration between a group of public libraries, the Association of Public Library Managers (APLM), Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and the National Library.

ENDS

© Scoop Media