Rogers library plans to use new system for its online services

ROGERS — The Rogers Public Library plans to change its online services to save money and be more user-friendly.

The library recently entered into a $39,400 contract with Book Systems’ Atriuum system for a new integrated electronic system allowing the library to catalog items, among other services.

Judy Casey, director of the library, said people can receive text messages about due dates, fines and requested items’ availability. The library communicates with people via email and mail, but not text messages, Casey said. The plan is to implement the system in March.

People will eventually be able to pay fines and nonresident fees online, although maybe not until 2021. The library plans to look into sending customized messages about upcoming events at the library and about books or other items people may be interested in, she said. The library has about 50,000 people in its database and about 150,000 items in its building.

“People are busier now and overscheduled,” said Lesley Knieriem, a librarian.

Knieriem said people need more flexibility to make payments from home and more online resources in general.

She pointed out that on a day with freezing temperatures and rain, many people would rather download a book and read it at home than go to the library.

“Which would you choose?” she said.

Once the new system is implemented, it will cost about $30,000 per year, Casey said. The library paid about $60,000 a year for its old system.

Checking out and reserving books and other material will be similar to the method used now, although it will have a different look.

The library also plans to renovate its staff workroom for about $73,000. Staff members use 15-year-old furniture and work in cubicles that haven’t been replaced since 1993, Casey said.

About 40 employees, half of whom are there full time and half of whom are there part time, work for the library, she said.

The Rogers Public Library isn’t the only one in the region making electronic upgrades.

Hadi Dudley, director of Bentonville’s library, said the library is pursuing a way to allow people to pay with debit or credit cards in person and online. The library currently only accepts payments via cash or check.

“We know that patrons need the convenience of being able to pay with credit cards,” Dudley said.

Bentonville’s library communicates with people through email but hasn’t yet implemented text messaging, she said.

The Fayetteville Public Library notifies people by text message and email if they owe fines, have items due soon or if items they requested are available, said David Johnson, the library’s director. People can pay fines or nonresident fees and sign up online to attend events at the library.

“We want to be known as seamless to work with,” Johnson said.

The Springdale Public Library emails and texts people but doesn’t allow them to pay fines or nonresident membership fees online, said Marcia Ransom, the library director.