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WILKES-BARRE — The Luzerne County Library System is preparing for a major software upgrade that will allow the member libraries to better serve residents of Luzerne County.
Since August, library staff have been preparing for the move to a new platform that will “bring greater efficiency, reliability and service at a lower cost,” according to an email from the library. The new software will be hosted outside of the library, which will result in less downtime and interruption for patrons.
The libraries will make the transition over to the new system during the week of April 20, and the system is expected to go live on April 23. The current system will have to be suspended at the beginning of the week so that the information can be transferred.
During that time, some libraries may be closed for a few days and other may remain open but the system as a whole will mostly be unable to lend materials.
The software that powers modern library functions is called Integrated Library System, or ILS. All ten members of the Luzerne County Library System have been linked with the same ILS since converting to an automated system back in 1999.
“Our new Integrated Library System will provide better results to make sure people get what they want and need,” said Richard Miller, director of the Osterhout Free Library and administrator for the Luzerne County Library System. “The current software is not up to the task of tracking the vast amount of materials that are delivered throughout the county six days a week.”
The biggest changes will be seen by library staff with a more powerful interface. Library users will also see a modern, streamlined look to the library catalog, and one that is more compatible with mobile devices.
In addition, there are features that will help staff move materials more efficiently into the hands of library users.