The public libraries in DeKalb County are upgrading to a web-based automation system
Kathy Hendrixson, Director of DeKalb County Libraries at Justin Potter, says this new system will give patrons and staff the best access to library resources while keeping costs down. “We’re updating our automation system, upgrading to a web based system. This is going to be a great asset, not only to the library, but to the patrons who will be using it. We hope to utilize today’s technology so that patrons and staff have the best access to library resources while keeping costs down.”
“The switch to this new system will require a change over a period of time. The staff will also have to be trained so on Friday and Saturday, August 13th & 14th the only thing the three libraries will be doing will be checking books in and out. That’s the only thing we will be able to do because we’re going to be actually changing over probably next week. We will be closed next Monday through Thursday, August 16th-19th for training and to start the implementation of this new system. Like anything else, you have to be trained and learn the system before you can put it to the public, so that’s what we’ll be doing next week. We’re going to ask the public to bear with us but it will be a great asset to them once it gets up and running.”
“A lot of things are coming with this new system. It will tie all three libraries together, Alexandria, Liberty, and Justin Potter in Smithville. Once we get the website up and running, patrons can log on and see what we have in each library.”
” We’re also going to have new library cards. That will be implemented within a few weeks. Patrons will get a new library card with a bar code and it will be on a key chain to make it easier to carry.
Hendrixson adds that the patron ID cards may be used at all three library locations but you must register at each library. As always, books checked out at a library must be returned to that same library.
Tentative timeline: Friday, Aug. 13th thru Saturday Aug. 14th – Librarians will only be able to check items in and out. Patrons must bring library card to check out items.
·Monday, Aug. 16th thru Thursday, Aug. 19th – Libraries will be closed.
·Friday, August 20th – Libraries will re-open with new system.
Alexandria Library News
Alexandria Library will have new hours effective August 9th: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 12 – 5 pm, and Saturday 9 am – 2 pm .
Meanwhile Justin Potter Library’s Book Sale continues through August 27th. There are books, movies, and magazines available at a very low price. Come by and see what they have. For additional information, please call the library at 615-597-4359.
The Alexandria Library, 109 Public Square, will have a book sale beginning Monday August 23 – Friday September 17. The library hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 12 – 5, and Saturday 9 – 2. Everything 25 cents and under.
(Pictured front row left to right are: Cheryl Runyon, Alexandria Branch Manager, Kathy Hendrixson, Director DeKalb County Libraries, Helga Thompson, New Liberty Library Branch Manager, Back row: Larry Bean, retiring Liberty Library Branch Manager, and Rochelle Turner, Librarian at Justin Potter Library.)
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