Online system makes all libraries one

Local governments in the South West from Waroona through to Manjimup are sharing a common One Library management system which will be fully implemented by mid-year.

A working group, driven by Jonathon Doyle from Eaton Library, was established in 2013 to research a new, shared system which offers customers of 11 participating local government libraries a much bigger range of resources and is financially more viable for the consortium of shires and councils.

Readers can now borrow a book from one library and return it to another participating library and can check from their home computers where the book they wish to borrow is on the shelf.

They can then reserve it and request where to pick it up.

Libraries within the City of Bunbury were among the first to go live last December with minimal disruption to customers.

Bunbury Library Services acting manager Michael Fraser said customers had already embraced the new system.

“The One Library system is the first of its kind in Western Australia, connecting 23 libraries in 11 local governments across the South West,” Mr Fraser said.

“This service gives greater access to resources for the community and allows customers to borrow and return items at any of the participating libraries.

“The new system has increased functionality such as the ability to request items across the One Library and integration with eResources, making it even easier to borrow digital items such as eBooks and eAudio books.

“Customers at Bunbury libraries still have the same option to come into the library, use the online catalogue, email or call us to help them with their queries.”

Mr Fraser said Bunbury libraries were planning to deliver some demonstrations for customers on how to use the online catalogue.

Shire of Harvey libraries go online on Monday and Bridgetown, Donnybrook, Balingup, Boyup Brook, Waroona and Nannup will follow within the next months.