Library System Update

Information about a planned data migration to a new library management system in February 2025.

Important Update: Library System Update in February

What’s Happening?

Rutland Libraries are moving to a new Library Management System (LMS) in February. This system manages your account details, loan history, and our collection of books, and other resources.

Who Will Be Affected?

All Rutland Library Users.

Leicestershire Libraries will be transitioning to the new system at the same time.

When Will This Happen?

The update will begin on 5th February until 14th February, with the new catalogue currently scheduled to be available from w/c 17th February.

Is there anything I need to do?

If you use wish lists on our library catalogue, these will not be carried over. Please make a note of your books in your wish list to add them on the new catalogue when it goes live. You will need to do this before 1st February.

What to Expect During the Update.

During the transition there will be some changes to the service you receive:

  1. System Downtime: Our current LMS will be replaced. There will be about one week of downtime, with the new system coming into effect 12th February onwards.
  2. Website: Our website is not changing. However, during this time you might see that links to the catalogue are removed or changed, that you will not be able to access our catalogue to renew items, and that the search box for our old catalogue is removed until the new catalogue goes live.
  3. Internet Management System (Netloan): The PC Booking software will be in offline mode. If you’ve used library computers before, you can continue to do so. New users will need assistance from a staff member. We will not be able to book PCs in advance for customers. Our existing printing service will be unaffected.
  4. E-Resources – eBooks, eAudio, eMagazines and eNewspapers (Borrowbox, Libby and Pressreader): You’ll still have access, as long as you are already logged in with your library card number and PIN before 5th February at 7pm. If you get logged out during the downtime period, then you won’t be able to log in again to any eResources that require new authentication until after we go live with the new system.

Services Affected During the Update:

  1. Borrowing & Returning books: You will still be able to borrow and return books during our opening hours, we will be using a temporary offline system so we will not be able to tell you what you have on loan. You will also still be able to return books using our letterboxes.
  2. Account information: Until the new system goes live, our library staff and kiosks will not be able to: search the catalogue for stock; take payments for lost or damaged items; change your account details; view, place or modify stock reservations; receive new stock. Online joining registration will be unavailable. You can still become a library member by visiting any of our libraries during their opening hours.
  3. New Stock: From 3rd January, we will be unable to order new titles for our libraries. Any items not supplied by 24th January will be cancelled, along with any related reservations. We will reorder as soon as possible once the new system is operational with our suppliers. Once we are live with the new system, we will automatically order recent releases from popular authors to fill this gap. We will aim to get these onto our library shelves as soon as possible in early April.
  4. Loan Dates: Items borrowed in the lead up to the downtime and therefore due back during that week will have their due dates extended until Friday 28th February. Those borrowed during the downtime will continue to be subject to a 3 week loan period.
  5. Library Catalogue: The current online catalogue will be unavailable from 1st February as it is linked to the library management system. The launch date for our new public online catalogue is currently the week commencing Monday 17th February. Until this time it will not be possible to search for items online, to place holds online, to renew your own items, or to join online.
  6. Reservations and Holds: You can still borrow books, but placing new reservations or holds won’t be possible from 3rd January in preparation for the move.
  7. Self Service Kiosks: You can check books in and out, but account details won’t be accessible.

Our Commitment to You:

  • Your Data is Protected:
    Your personal data is handled according to all relevant data protection laws.
  • Borrowing and Browsing:
    You’ll still be able to borrow books and browse our catalogue, though the new system might look slightly different.
  • Purchasing Power:
    We remain part of a purchasing group with other local authorities, ensuring we can continue to offer the best value on new books and resources.