It’s an exciting time as we refresh our library services with a new library computer system that will make using your local library better and easier.
The new and improved catalogue is now available. Click to visit the new site.
Things look different. They work a little differently too, but they are easier to use and you can do much more.
Read important information about:
- Updated policies - Membership and loans, and privacy statement
- Updating your details - This is required from 21 November to use the new system
- Returning items from 21 November 2019
- Parents and guardians - Linking family memberships
- New or updated features
- No more overdue fines
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and check back on our website for information updates over the coming weeks.
Updated policies
Our library membership and loans policy and privacy statement have been updated and will apply from Thursday 21 November 2019.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The policy is more explicit about who can join the library and how to apply for membership.
The conditions of membership clarify your responsibilities as a library member, e.g. ways you are expected to keep your account secure and look after and return items on time.
The policy explains what you can borrow, for how long, and when charges may apply.
The policy also explains that the library may contact you about policy, service or program information, updates and changes, and that it may limit or suspend access under specific circumstances.
The privacy statement explains what data and information is collected by the library and how it is managed to comply with relevant legislation.
Copies of the membership and loans policy and the privacy statement are available on our website and in library branches.
Please note: Only adults (anyone aged 16 or older) can apply online to be a member and update membership details online.
Updating your details
From Thursday 21 November 2019, when you first use the new system, you’ll need to confirm your account details online, or in person, and accept the updated membership terms and conditions and privacy statement.
To help keep your account secure, you will also need to create a new passphrase (instead of PIN/password) which is a minimum of thirteen (13) characters. Read Stay Smart Online tips about passphrases here.
If you have internet access at home or elsewhere, you can do this online before you visit (from 21 November):
- Log into your account
- If you have an alert that your account has expired, click the Renew button
- You will be prompted to update your details and accept the membership terms and conditions and privacy statement.
- If you don’t have a PIN/password, but do have an email address linked to your account, you can choose the option to reset using your name and email address to update your details.
- You can then continue using the library as normal.
- If you don’t have a PIN/password AND don’t have an email address linked to your account, you will need to ask staff to help you update your details (see below).
If you don’t have internet access:
- When you first visit the library, you will need to ask staff to help you update your details and accept the membership terms and conditions and privacy statement.
- You can then continue using the library as normal.
Membership details are your unique identification for using the library and we want to make sure your details are correct and up to date. Membership details include your name, address, email, phone number and date of birth.
When checking your details, make sure your membership includes your email address (if you have one). Email is the fastest and easiest way for the library to contact you about your membership and any changes to library services, including notifying you about requests or overdue items.
We are offering new SMS and email notifications in the new system, so make sure we have the correct contact information. You will be able to receive emailed receipts, emailed alerts for new items, reminder texts and more.
Returning items from 21 November 2019
When the library is open:
- Please return items inside the library using the self-service kiosks.
- Items will be automatically returned from your account.
- You will be able to print a receipt to show you have returned them.
When the library is closed:
- Please return items using the external return chutes.
- Items will be automatically returned from your account (except at Civic).
Woden Library will be different:
- Woden Library's return chute will be open during opening hours and after hours and is the only way to return items at this library.
- Items will be returned from your account as you put them in the chute.
- Woden's self-service kiosks will not be used to return items.
- Woden is our busiest library and has a large number of items returned. This high volume of items creates a workplace health and safety issue and we need to make sure the workplace is as safe as possible. The return chute and automated sorter at Woden Library help address the manual handling of the many items returned there, also returning them from your account as you put them in the chute. This lets us allocate staff to other important customer service tasks, including helping you find and use resources, and meet demand for delivering programs.
- We have a heritage architect working to address the issue of the area near the return chute at Woden being cold and windy. A solution to this will be implemented as soon as practical.
Parents and guardians
If you are the parent/guardian or other responsible adult registered for child who is a member, you can now link their account to yours. Family linking lets you view items on your child’s account and renew their items all from your account.
To link accounts:
- Update your own account details online. If you need help, please visit the library and ask staff.
- Visit the library and ask staff to link your accounts. This cannot be done online. You will need to show proof of identity. When accounts are linked, the information on your account (address etc) will copy to the child’s account automatically.
Note:
- You can update/confirm account details for individual children online if they have a password or email registered with the account. However, you may prefer to visit a branch and link their account with yours to update the details automatically.
- When a child reaches 16 years of age their account will be un-linked, because they are then considered an adult and responsible for all their account activity.
- Family linking cannot be used to link with another adult account. The only exception to this is where an adult is the legal guardian for another adult (you must show proof).
New or updated features
You will be able to do more at the library including:
- Search all the resources in one place, including eBooks and other digital material.
- Review, tag and share your favourites online.
- Create alerts so you know when material of interest to you is available.
- Get recommendations based on what you borrow.
- Download the app and use it to view your account, search, renew or request items.
- Use self-service kiosks to borrow, return and renew.
- Book a place to attend programs using your account online.
- Use a digital wallet app or a clear photo on your mobile phone to store and use your membership barcode and use it on the self-service kiosks.
- Use your membership number and passphrase on the self-service kiosks.
- If you have a Goodreads account, you will be able to link it to your library membership.
- Search everything, or refine by format, audience and availability.
- Place reservations one item at a time, or for multiple items in one go.
Follow the on-screen instructions and if you experience any difficulty, a library staff member can show you how to use it.
If you are the parent, guardian or responsible adult for a child who is a member, the new system will let you link their account to yours. You will need to ask staff to link the accounts.
Completed works
The new self-service kiosks, return chutes and security gates have now been installed at each branch. If you haven't seen or used the new equipment yet, here’s what you can expect:
New self-service kiosks
- Larger and clearer screen display
- Clear and easy to follow on-screen instructions
- Adjustable height on one kiosk per branch
- More account access options
- Scan your membership card
- Scan your membership barcode from a mobile wallet app
- Scan your membership barcode from a clear photo on your phone
- More language options
New return chutes
- Simple, clear instructions
- Items returned off your account as you put them through the chute
New security gates
- Improved accessibility
- Wider entry/exit, wherever possible
Other changes
- Changes at Gungahlin: The upstairs return chute at Gungahlin is now closed and will take some time to be uninstalled and removed. Please return items inside during opening hours.
- Improvements for Woden: The internal self-return kiosk is now out of action, please use the new external returns chute and feel free to watch the automatic sorter in action through the side windows. Place items in the return chute with the spine on the left-hand side. This will help ensure your items are automatically returned, sorted and removed from your membership properly.
- Improvements for Kingston: Following installation of the new self-service kiosks, the timber floor has been sanded and re-sealed. Now that the kiosk and floor work are complete, we will be replacing the built-in furniture that has been removed. We apologise for any disruption to your library experience.
Limited services from 6–20 November 2019
So we could move information across to the new computer system, there were limited services at all libraries from Wednesday 6 – Tuesday 19 November 2019 inclusive and all libraries were closed on Wednesday 20 November 2019. Staff were hard at work to ensure the transition on 21 November was as smooth as possible.
Items borrowed during the period had a 6-week loan period.
From 6–19 November 2019, customers were still able to:
- Visit the library
- Borrow (you need your library card - we can't look up your details to confirm identity during this period)
- Return
- Pick up requests (if you have been notified they are available)
- Use eResources (if you know your membership number and PIN)
- Use computers (no online bookings)
From 6–19 November 2019, customers were NOT able to:
- Renew items
- Make requests
- Use the online catalogue
- Change your membership details
- Make payments
- Interact with the library in any other way online
- Register as a new library member
- Browse new item lists
- Make online computer bookings
- During this period, computer bookings will only be available at the library when you visit.
- Bookings will be only via guest passes (you will not be able to use your membership card to make a booking during this time).
- From 21 November you will be able to use your membership to book computers after you have updated your details and accepted our updated terms and conditions and privacy statement.