ADVANTAGES OF AUTOMATION

PATRON BENEFITS

  • Access to Over 400,000 Titles

Patrons can search the entire NCLS collection through the online catalog or NCLS mobile app. The catalog will display what’s available at their home library and what’s available at other libraries throughout the system.

  • Place and Manage Holds

Patrons may place holds on items in the online catalog. If an item is checked out, patronscan still place a hold and wait in a queue for the item. Once available, an email alert is sent to the patron that the item is available for pickup.

Requests (holds) may also be placed on the over1 million items owned by other automated libraries in the North Country Library System. Items are delivered to the patron’s local library.

  • Patron Account Features

Patrons can log into their accountto see items they have checked out, requested, or may beoverdue. They can alsopay bills onlineand renew items. The automated system will also notify patrons about items before they become overdue via email.

LIBRARY BENEFITS

  • ImprovedInventory Control

An automated system tracks the status (checked out, lost, etc.) of all the materials in the library. By contrast,using a manual card system, there is no way to answer patron’s questions about items that are not on the shelf, such as: When can I have that book? When is that movie due to be returned?

  • Manage Overdue Items:

Patrons are notified weekly of overdue items by emails and staff has the ability to print out a list. Emails are sent to patrons automatically, saving staff time from notifying them.

  • Statistics and Reports

Statistics are automatically compiled as the library uses the system. The library will be able to generate reports on usage, providing information for collection development. Library staff have access to other reports that help the library be more responsive to the patrons it serves.

  • Become part of a shared regional service:

The servers, software updates, and daily backups are all taken care of by the North Country Library System. This relieves the library of tedious and technical “backroom” functions. Library staff can give more attention to providing quality library service to their patrons.

Training on and assistance with the circulation system is always available at no extra cost.

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