FAQ - New Catalogue and Library Management System

Wingecarribee Public Libraries are pleased to announce the transition to the new Civica Spydus library management system and online catalogue, slated for launch on 28 May 2024.

1. What’s a library management system?

The library management system (LMS) allows staff to manage collections, catalogue titles, circulate items, run reports and obtain statistics. Many tasks a library management system performs aren’t visible to library users.

Library users interact with the LMS when they use the library’s online catalogue (OPAC) to search for titles, reserve and renew items and check their library account.

The new system and the new OPAC will launch on Tuesday 28 May 2024. We’re excited about the changes and look forward to offering an even better library service to our community!

2. Why is the library implementing a new system?

Wingecarribee Public Libraries are committed to providing an enriched and seamless library experience, and the adoption of the Civica Spydus system demonstrates our commitment to innovation and improving services.

The new system will improve patron engagement through an interactive online catalogue and provide enhanced access to the library’s resources and collections. Library efficiencies will also be improved through the reporting, cataloguing, digital content management, local studies and management modules.

Our brand new online catalogue allows you to easily search our collections and see eResources like eBooks and eAudiobooks right alongside our print collection – no need to look in multiple places for titles from BorrowBox or Indyreads.

Library members will have more freedom to update account details and renew and reserve items from home when logging into their library account online or through the Spydus app.

It’s even easier to find your next great read (or watch or listen!). You’ll see titles recommended for you in your online dashboard and be able to submit reviews and rate titles – let others know what you’ve enjoyed and see what’s been popular with our borrowers. You’ll also be able to curate lists and save searches to create your own handy reading guides.

3. When will the new system be available?

Here’s our expected timeline:

Monday 20 May 2024 – Last day of regular library service in our current system. Loans extended until 4 June 2024

Tuesday 21 - Monday 27 May – Library will be in offline mode. Temporary changes to services will in place. See What’s Offline mode below for details.

Tuesday 28 May 2024 – the new Spydus system goes live! Services return to normal and returned items start to be processed.

4. What’s offline mode?

As part of the transition to the new Spydus library management system, Wingecarribee Public libraries will operate in a temporary offline mode from Tuesday 21 May to Monday 27 May 2024.

This means that services the library usually offers will be suspended while the data from our current LMS is transferred between systems.

5. What can I expect during the offline period?

You will be able to check out items at our circulation desks and join the library if needed.

You will not be able to check the catalogue, place reserves on items or have items transferred between branches for collection during this period.

You will still be able to return items, but these will not be processed until the new system launches. All due dates will be extended until 4 June 2024.

Library services will return to normal on Tuesday 28 May 2024.

6. What if I want to reserve an item in the offline week?

You will be unable to reserve items online, in the library or over the phone during the week the library is offline between 21-27 May.

7. Can I look things up on the catalogue?

While you’ll be able to look at the online catalogue through the library website, it will not accurately reflect whether items are checked in or on loan until we go live on Tuesday 28 May and start to process all returned items.

8. Can I still return my items?

You can still return items to our branches during opening hours, but these items won’t be processed until Tuesday 28 May or after. All due dates will be extended until 4 June 2024 so there’s no need to rush in to return items.

9. How can I familiarise myself with the new online catalogue?

The library will be running pop-up sessions at each branch. Keep an eye on the library’s website www.library.wsc.nsw.gov.au and social media for information about these sessions.