Facility to upgrade circulation software

The Peachtree City Library will be closed Saturday through Monday as the library’s circulation system is upgraded, according to Librarian M.T. Allen.

Because the library will be closed to the public until Tuesday morning, no fines will be charged for patrons who have to turn their books in Tuesday instead of the weekend, Allen said.

The new computer system will upgrade the current PINES electronic catalog system. The “Evergreen” system is designed to be more user friendly, giving patrons more options when accessing library information from home on the Internet, Allen said.

The new catalog system will be available online Tuesday at www.gapines.org.

Patrons can use Evergreen to:
‰ Place, cancel and view books on hold;
‰ Modify how they are alerted of available holds;
‰ View any fines owed;
‰ Change screen views and enlarge print for easier viewing; and
‰ Create and share lists of books already read, books desired and other recommended reading lists they choose; Patrons can use those lists to view books and place holds directly.

Library staffers have been trained on the new system, but as Allen said: “We’ll be learning too” as they get acquainted with using the new system.

Patrons will still be using their PINES library cards with the new software, which was designed to make searches easier, officials said. The new catalog will feature photos of book covers, book reviews, and access to books’ table of contents, officials said.

The new Web site will feature security enhancements designed to protect patrons’ personal information when using the service online, officials said.

An added bonus is that the software was developed as open source, meaning it is royalty free, saving the state hundreds of thousands of dollars, officials said.

Staffers will be working through the weekend, emptying the library’s drop box and performing other duties inside such as straightening shelves, repairing books and the like, Allen said.