Most services who require connections through the library's online catalog and Web page, including patron accounts and book renewal, will be unavailable beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, during a major system-wide upgrade to its operational software.
The library hopes to restore service sometime on Thursday, Nov. 15, though there is no guarantee that the upgrade will be completed by that point.
"The software we have at the moment is very old by current standards, and the conversion will let us jump to a Windows-based software," said Pete Giacoma, director of the Davis County Library. "For the public it won't look much different, but there will be a huge impact on the operational side."
The public, however, will see certain improvements, including the possibility of a program that will allow Internet usage in the different branches to be maintained electronically in-stead of by the librarians. The new system will also allow the library's software to continue to receive maintenance, a process which would have eventually become nearly impossible with the current, outdated system.
While the upgrade is occurring, however, patrons at all branches will not be able to access information about the library materials checked out to them or online databases such as Heritage Quest. Also, holds cannot be placed during this period.
During the upgrade neither librarians nor patrons will be able to renew books, and anyone whose books will be due between Nov. 10 and 15 are recommended to come in before that period to renew their books.
Fortunately, public use of the Internet will still be available in the branch libraries during the upgrade period, though not wireless access. The library catalog will also still be available to view online, though it is recommended that patrons call ahead to retrieve the book they want before going to the library to pick it up.
jwardell@davisclipper.com
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