Mill Memorial Library Goes Online With New System

BY MICHAEL GOLUBIEWSKI mikeg@leader.net
Tuesday, February 01, 2000     Page: 3

Mill Memorial Library goes online with new system By MICHAEL GOLUBIEWSKI
mikeg@leader.net It just became easier to find a book in Luzerne County. The
Mill Memorial Library in Nanticoke is now connected to a new computer system
that will allow city residents to find materials at any library in Luzerne
County. Claudia Koenig, Mill Memorial Library Director, said that the computer
system, known as the Online Public Access Catalog, or OPAC, was finally
operational at six computer terminals at the library. The system had been
expected to be up and running last fall, but a series of problems kept OPAC
from serving library patrons. The Online Public Access Catalog connects the
Mill Memorial library with every public library in the county, whether that be
the Osterhout in Wilkes-Barre, the Pittston Library, the Hazleton Public
Library … wherever that elusive book, video, audio cassette or other
material may be located. “The database has all the books available in the
county,” Koenig said. “And it tells the status of the book as well, whether it
has been checked out or if it is available. People can then put the book on
hold if they choose to.” The library has six computers with the OPAC systems
up and running. Two are located in the children’s room, while four are located
in the adult section. Koenig said that the delays in getting the computer
system operational ranged from glitches within the program, to getting the
staff trained on the new machines. The final delays occurred when the library
was unsure when a new circulation desk would be installed. Now with the system
operation, if the Mill Memorial Library doesn’t have the book that you need
… you can find out where it is with the click of a few buttons. Library
patrons must sign up for a new library card that can be used at any Luzerne
County library. The card takes advantage of the new computer system. For more
information about the OPAC system or any other information about the Mill
Memorial Library, call the library at 735-3030.