Library
What is a modern library catalog anyway?
It?s an integrated library system linking together the catalog search, patron records and accounts, behind-the-scenes operations including everything from purchasing to holds, and, in Arlington, eight physical Library sites plus our busy online "digital branch.?
So all the millions of pieces of information in the old system must be transferred carefully to the new one. That takes time and care.
Here's what the transition means to you -
Monday, Feb. 7 - Sunday, Feb. 13, 8:59:59 p.m.
We expect the new system to be running toward the end of the week of Feb. 13 but we don?t know precisely beforehand because the technology can?t be tested until the transition is in full swing.
Holds:
- New Account Options: Usernames And Text Alerts
Although our new catalog and accounts system has been in place for more than a month now, we have been testing and fine-tuning features that were not available at launch. So this week we're happy to rollout a new option for added privacy and another...
- Catalog And Account System Update 2/23
Now that our new system has been up for almost a week, we've had time to fix some of the initial hiccups (which are inevitable with a project of this scope): Emailed holds notices have resumed, as have email for items due, overdue, and coming due...
- Your New Library System Has Arrived!
**UPDATED 3/3/11** Do you have your account PIN yet? ** UPDATED 2/23/11 ** Now that the new system has been up for about a week, we've had time to fix some of the issues that are inevitable with a project of this scope: Emailed holds notices have...
- What "in Transit" Means For Now
Because we have to suspend some services this week and next while we install our new catalog and accounts system, holds that currently appear as "in transit" will not be available until the week of Feb. 20. We apologize for this inconvenience, and look...
- Coming Soon: Even More Privacy And Security For Your Account
Would you like more privacy options in your Library account? With our new catalog and accounts system, you'll get more security for your account, and be able to create a personal username for your Library holds slips. With our new system, you can...
Library
Library Catalog Transition FAQ
What is a modern library catalog anyway?
It?s an integrated library system linking together the catalog search, patron records and accounts, behind-the-scenes operations including everything from purchasing to holds, and, in Arlington, eight physical Library sites plus our busy online "digital branch.?
So all the millions of pieces of information in the old system must be transferred carefully to the new one. That takes time and care.
Here's what the transition means to you -
Monday, Feb. 7 - Sunday, Feb. 13, 8:59:59 p.m.
- Library open on regular schedule
- Holds listed as "In Transit" unavailable until new system is running
- Holds already on the holds shelf are available for pickup
- Old system is shut down and catalog migration begins
- Online services including catalog, accounts, premium sites become UNAVAILABLE
- Unclaimed holds are cleared from holds shelf
- Library open on regular schedule
- Wifi will be available
- Materials can be checked out with staff assistance (no self checkout)
- Public computer stations are available with staff sign-up
- No library materials due for the remainder of February
- What won't be available:
When will the new catalog system be up and the Library running normally again?* Catalog
* Holds
* User accounts
* Fine payments
* Kids programs, including all storytimes
* eCollections
* Premium Sites in the Research Portal
We expect the new system to be running toward the end of the week of Feb. 13 but we don?t know precisely beforehand because the technology can?t be tested until the transition is in full swing.
Holds:
- Your old hold requests will transfer to your account in the new system
- Your place in the queue for an item will not change
- Holds held ?In Transit" will reach the holds shelf the week of Feb. 20
- Because of a technical issue, telephone notification to pick up holds will not be available for a few weeks--please check your account or call 703-228-5990 for updates
- Old fines on overdue items will still accrue during days of transition
- No fine payments can be processed during transition
- No materials are due between Feb. 13 and Feb. 28
- Items can be renewed after the new catalog system is running
- Returns will be stockpiled, then checked-in after new system is running
- Items returned during transition will be checked-in with a return date of Feb. 12
- The old catalog system is 12 years old and the maintenance contract was expiring
- The old system was technically outdated, and didn't offer many features the Library needed and patrons requested
- The new system pays for itself in less than four years because of lower maintenance costs compared to the old system
- The new system was purchased as joint project with Arlington Public Schools and Friends of the Arlington Public Library
- Mobile catalog for smartphones
- Option of keeping a personal, private reading history
- Option to pay fines and fees online
- Instant text messages when holds are available
- Option to use of an alias for holds slips
- Account PIN number for greater security
- You can learn more details about our new catalog system in these News posts.
- New Account Options: Usernames And Text Alerts
Although our new catalog and accounts system has been in place for more than a month now, we have been testing and fine-tuning features that were not available at launch. So this week we're happy to rollout a new option for added privacy and another...
- Catalog And Account System Update 2/23
Now that our new system has been up for almost a week, we've had time to fix some of the initial hiccups (which are inevitable with a project of this scope): Emailed holds notices have resumed, as have email for items due, overdue, and coming due...
- Your New Library System Has Arrived!
**UPDATED 3/3/11** Do you have your account PIN yet? ** UPDATED 2/23/11 ** Now that the new system has been up for about a week, we've had time to fix some of the issues that are inevitable with a project of this scope: Emailed holds notices have...
- What "in Transit" Means For Now
Because we have to suspend some services this week and next while we install our new catalog and accounts system, holds that currently appear as "in transit" will not be available until the week of Feb. 20. We apologize for this inconvenience, and look...
- Coming Soon: Even More Privacy And Security For Your Account
Would you like more privacy options in your Library account? With our new catalog and accounts system, you'll get more security for your account, and be able to create a personal username for your Library holds slips. With our new system, you can...