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New Scottish Borders Library Management System on its way

Scottish Borders Council Library and Information Services have been implementing a new Library Management System, which may have an impact on some of the services available to users during January and February 2008.

An automated library management system consists of separate units for staff use, such as issuing and returning items, cataloguing and stock ordering, as well as the public access Web OPAC - the library catalogue.

The new system, known as Vubis Smart, has been introduced to replace the previous system which could not be upgraded any further to improve the service to library users. Vubis Smart offers more flexibility for the library service to tailor the system to meet the needs of the service, now and in the future. 

The new system is Windows - based, so that screen layouts will look more familiar to users, and will be much more accessible and easier to use.  The secondary school libraries are also being included in the project roll out, which will allow wider access to all the collections across public libraries and schools, and encourage better use of the stock. Because the new system is also Smartcard compliant, it will help to deliver the Council’s “Customer First” programme, and its modernisation agendas. The new system will make it easier for library users to find what they want with improved catalogue searching facilities and access to online resources, both in the library and via the Internet.

Margaret Menzies, Library and Information Services Manager explained that some services may be affected during this time:

“Because we are changing from one system to another, we have to stop moving stock between the libraries to make sure that the catalogue and stock information we are transferring is correct and accurately reflects what is held in each library. This means that we can’t offer our usual request service for a few weeks, when the data is being transferred, and we are making sure that the system is working properly.  Computer bookings may also be affected, because the booking system uses library membership details which are held on the library system, and these are also being transferred onto the new system.  Library Services will be moving over onto the new system from now until late in February when the system is due to go live. We do hope we can keep things as normal as possible and would like to encourage users to contact their local library to find out exactly how it will affect them.  We would also like to thank library users for their patience and understanding during the transition period.”

Questionnaire on future of Chambers Institution, Peebles 

As the 150th anniversary of the gift of the Chambers Institution to Peebles approaches, SBC has agreed to review the facilities offered in the building for Library and Museum provision.  To help develop a plan for improvements to the building, SBC is conducting a survey to gather views from the public about the type and range of services and facilities that should be provided in the building. Copies of the questionnaire are now available to download, or online