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Service update:

All libraries are temporarily closed to the public. Some sites remain open to offer emergency public computer access by appointment. Find out more

New Library Management System Update:

From early April, the library catalogue will be unavailable as we transfer over to the new Library Management System.  This will mean that some library services will be unavailable for approximately 3 weeks. More details will be available soon

Full steam ahead for the new library management system

A computer keyboard with the word Library on the enter key
18 January 2021

Last summer Essex and Thurrock Libraries shared the exciting news that they will be joining The Library Consortium (TLC)* and upgrading our library management system (LMS).

Over the past few months, we have been working with TLC and SirsiDynix (the supplier of the new LMS) to prepare for these changes.

We are pleased to announce that we plan to move to the new system in late spring and behind the scenes we have been working hard to be ready. Staff have started their training and we have been running tests on the new system.  We have also completed a long overdue stock take in every library and have updated the database to reflect current stock and customer records.

Joining The Library Consortium will give our customers access to a shared catalogue of over 6 million items of stock. This will be in addition to the current titles Essex Libraries already has available.

In addition, the new LMS has a host of innovative and interactive features including:

  • a system compatible with all mobile devices
  • customers will be able to rate books, post reviews and make recommendations to other customers
  • access to a 24/7 renewals line so that items can be easily renewed
  • an enhanced app with lots of new features, including self service functions
  • customer alerts and texts

Customers will also be able to use their library card in any library within The Library Consortium, which includes areas bordering Essex such as Havering, Redbridge and Waltham Forest

Cllr Susan Barker, Cabinet Member for Customer, Corporate Culture and Communities, said “As well as access to an additional  6 million items,  the new library management system will deliver a modern, interactive experience that will continue to evolve and develop to give our residents a system that is fit for the future”.

* The Library Consortium is currently made up of the following library authorities: Barking & Dagenham, Brent, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Hackney, Harrow, Havering, Hounslow, Kingston, Lewisham, Luton, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Sutton, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest

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