Everything you need to know about upcoming changes to your library service

Published 17th September 2024

Later this year our libraries will transition to a new system for managing stock and customer data. Replacing our current out-of-date provider will enable us to offer a higher quality service to our users.

During the transition, there will be some changes to the service you receive:

  • Our library management system will be offline from Wedneday 30 October at 7pm. Our new system will be live from Wednesday 6 November or Tuesday 5 November at Mansfield Central Library, our test site.
  • During the downtime period, you will still be able to borrow and return items at our self-service kiosks. 
  • Until the new system goes live, our library staff and kiosks will not be able to: search the catalogue for stock; take payments; change your account details; view, place or modify stock reservations; receive new stock.
  • Items borrowed in the lead up to the downtime and therefore due back during that week will have their due dates extended until Tuesday 19 November. Those borrowed during the downtime will continue to be subject to a 3 week loan period.
  • From Tuesday 1 October, we will be unable to order new titles for our libraries. This will last for approximately 8 weeks, at which point we will automatically order recent releases from popular authors to fill this gap. We will aim to get these onto our library shelves as soon as possible.
  • We will be unable to action buying suggested titles, we will be removing the online suggestion form from Friday 27 September until the new system is available.
  • As the online catalogue is linked to our library management system, this too will be offline from Wednesday 30 October at 7pm. The launch date for our new public online catalogue is currently the week commencing Monday 12 November.
  • You will still be able to access our eResources (BorrowBox, PressReader and Libby), as long as you are already logged in with your library card number and PIN before Wednesday 30 September at 7pm.
  • Our public computers will still be in working order and so printing services will be unaffected. However, you will be unable to make bookings in advance. Instead, all of our PCs will be drop-in only.
  • For new users without a library card already, you may be given access via a computer visitor card upon presentation of suitable identification.
  • Customers can continue to renew borrowed items by phone. You will need to provide your library card number and the barcode number for each item you wish to renew.

Nottingham City Libraries will be transitioning to their new system at the same time. Find out more about their migration here.

Member of staff serving a customer

Your data will continue to be protected throughout and beyond this change. Please speak to a member of staff if you are concerned or require more information about your data, or alternatively view our Privacy Statement.

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