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Hampshire County Council is introducing a brand new library computer system, making it easier for customers to access information and services on the web and offering improvements for library staff. This does mean that there will be some unavoidable disruption with libraries having to close for short periods, to install the system and train staff to use it quickly and efficiently. Once this has been done across the county the new system will go live in November. The new system will enable borrowers, from the comfort of the home or the office, to browse Hampshire County Council's entire stock catalogue with ease. The new technology uses more advanced search methods than the current system and will let customers reserve items to collect from a local library or even order items that are not listed. Customers who register their email address can choose to receive email alerts when new books, or other material on specified subjects have been added to stock. Closed days in New Forest Blackfield Library: Closed between 12noon and 2pm on Sept 9 & all day on Nov 3 Fordingbridge Library: Sept 25 & Oct 2 Hythe Library: Sept 9, 16 & closed until 1pm on Nov 3 Lymington Library: Oct 8, 15 & 22 New Milton Library: closed until 1 pm on Sept 11, all day on Sept 17 and 24, & closed until 1pm on Nov 17 Ringwood Library: Sept 24 and Oct 1 Totton Library: Closed from 1pm on Sept 9, all day on Sept 23 & closed from 1pm on Nov 25 Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage and Communities, Councillor Margaret Snaith, said: "Hampshire County Council's current library system is working at capacity and, with the ever increasing demand for online services, we knew we had to make changes to improve our service. Unfortunately the two systems cannot run along side each other which is why there will be some disruption to the services we provide. I would like to say thank you to our customers in advance for their patience while the systems are changed over but we are looking forward to the improvements it will bring." Timeline of events: Since August 8, customers can now reserve items at their local library or by telephone but not on the web. Reminders for overdue items will no longer be sent, but fines will still be charged. From October 9, the reservations service will be slower than normal so customers are being asked to reserve essential items only i.e. items required for work or study purposes. From October 14, the web catalogue will not be available but the rest of the website will operate as normal. At this point staff will only have limited access to information from the computer system, so customers are being urged to bring their library card with them on every visit. During November the new system will gradually be introduced allowing customers to log on and try out the new features by the end of the month. For more information visit Hampshire County Council |
