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KERRY LIBRARY will begin operating a new system for checking in and out library books which will result in significant benefits for library users from Tuesday, July 12.
Kerry Library’s 22,000 members will be able to request books from libraries in other participating counties as well as use their library card to borrow books from libraries in several other counties around the country.
The Sierra system is part of a national rollout of a project to standardise library circulation processes countrywide. It is already in place in Dublin, Kildare and Wexford libraries and ten other local authority libraries apart from Kerry will also go ‘live’ with the new system on Tuesday next.
The new system will have some very positive benefits for library users – following on from the introduction of free library membership last January – including
• Borrowing of up to 12 items at any one time for a 21 day period
• Access to the library catalogues of other participating counties
• Use of the Kerry Library membership card in other participating counties
• Requesting of items from libraries in other participating counties
• Delivery of items from other counties to one’s own library
• Book renewal online, by phone or by visiting a library
There will be a slight change to the fines payments arrangements on overdue books. Fines will increase nationally to 5c per day per item for those who do not return books on time. Members will however get a reminder to return books in advance of the due date while they can also renew them by calling to a library, renewing them online or by phone renewal.
Users are requested to be patient with library staff during the implementation period in July. Kerry Library looks forward to serving its members more efficiently in the years ahead.
