by Tara de Ryk
January 11, 2010

DAVIDSON-Davidson branch and all branches of Palliser Regional Library are closed today, Jan. 11, and tomorrow as the library makes the switch to a new library system. When it opens on Wednesday, Davidson branch of Palliser Regional Library will be part of the Saskatchewan Information and Library Services (SILS) consortium. The new system connects all public libraries in Saskatchewan as the province moves to a "one province, one library card" system. Patrons will receive new library cards that may be used at any public library in the province. As a result of the change, patrons will have access to improved services and a more efficient system, says Davidson librarian September Brooke. Palliser and Southeast are the first of Saskatchewan's regional libraries to join the new system. In December, Saskatoon Public Library was the first to go live with the new system. The new system features a province-wide catalogue. Patrons need only to go to one place to request their books. They will be able to see everything that's available in the entire province, go there and place a hold on material. It will then be sent to their local library branch, Brooke explains. Brooke says the switch is good for patrons

"I think it will give better service. Once we get past the initial learning curve, it will be very good. It will be nice to take that one card and visit any public library in the province," Brooke said.

She and assistant librarian Debbie Shearwood have taken training on the new system, which includes new computers and software at the Davidson branch.
The change has been in the works for months.

Besides getting new library cards, patrons will notice other changes. Joining the new system has meant that the regional libraries and their city counterparts have had to agree to one set of standard policies.

For Palliser patrons, this means changes to some overdue fines and different time limits on material loans.

As of Jan. 13, there will be no fines on overdue children's materials. Seniors will now incur late charges at the same rate as other adult borrowers.

Borrowing and renewal periods have changed. Most books and CDs are now available on 21-day loans instead of 28 days, but people may now renew them twice, so long as no one else has placed a hold on the item.

Magazines are no longer renewable and the borrowing period is now seven days.
Brooke says people must have their SILS library card with them when they borrow materials. No exceptions will be allowed. To assist people who may forget to carry their library card, the new cards also come with a fob with a barcode they may put on a key chain.

Saskatchewan Information and Library Services Consortium has purchased a technologically advanced integrated library system to make the integration of the public libraries possible. The purchase was made possible by a $5.2 million provincial grant.

The new computer software will offer patrons improved on-line service, including the on-line catalogue that has a separate catalogue for children and will include book cover images, improved search results, tag clouds and patron book reviews. The on-line catalogue will look similar to the websites of booksellers such as Amazon.com. People will even be able to access the library from their iPhones, Blackberries or other smart phones.

The library's notification system is also improved and patrons can opt to have e-mail pre-notification of when their borrowed materials are due.
The eight remaining public library systems in Saskatchewan will come on board the SILS over the next year.

The leaderonline is a division of The Davidson Leader, Davidson, Saskatchewan, Canada.