Library to close for few days

UPGRADES to an online library management system will require all Toowoomba region libraries to close to the public over the October long weekend.

Toowoomba Regional Council library and cultural services portfolio leader councillor Joe Ramia said all 13 libraries would close from noon on Saturday, September 30 before re-opening on Wednesday, October 4.

Cr Ramia said patrons would be unable to place items in return chutes for the duration of the temporary closure.

“The council will be working during the shut down to upgrade its library management system, or catalogue, which holds records of every item in the collection, provides a searching interface to these holdings and processes issuing and returning of loans,” he said.

“It is not possible to simultaneously complete the system upgrade and maintain the same services for searching, borrowing and returning library items. Testing of the new system also will be performed before the libraries re-open.

“While the online library catalogue will be unavailable, residents will be able to view and access services via the council’s website.

“Library members will be able to borrow eResources, including eMagazines, eBooks and eAudiobooks from the website during this time.

“I advise residents to borrow items before the libraries close on the Saturday and also be mindful that they will be unable to return items via the after hours chutes.”

After the update library customers will notice improvements to the council’s online library management system known as SPYDUS.

Top of the list will be the enhanced one search discovery that will allow users to search all library collections via one search.