New Library Computer System To Offer Better Service To Patrons

kohaBENTON, KY – On September 12, the Marshall County Public Library will be going live with its new ILS. In the library world, an ILS is the computer system that tracks users and materials.

“Basically, the ILS is what runs the library,” says Wes Smith, Technology Coordinator for the Marshall County Public Library. “Our ILS keeps up with everything from what we have on our shelves to when your books are due back.”

For the last several years the library has utilized Destiny, the same program used at the schools in Marshall County. Next month they will begin operating on the Koha system, an open-source program, which allows libraries to make modifications to meet their needs.

“Destiny is a program intended for schools, and it does well in that capacity, but it doesn’t do everything a multi-branch library system, like ours, needs,” says Kristi Tucker, Director of the Marshall County Public Library. “Koha is a great fit because it sees the library system as a whole instead of looking at the individual branches.” One of the most notable differences will be the ease with which branches will be able to share library materials with one another.

Tucker notes another advantage for patrons is all the online access they will have to their individual account. “With Koha, patrons will be able to not only see their materials, holds, and late fees, but also renew their materials, suggest items for purchase, and set up email notifications.”

The staff of the library has been training on the new program since the beginning of August, but Smith warns that glitches may still occur during the first few weeks. “We’ve worked really hard on getting everything to run as smoothly as possible, but there are always unexpected wrinkles when you first put something like this into practice. We ask that our patrons be patient with us as we make this transition.”

The Marshall County Public Library System consists of three branches –@Benton, @Calvert City, and @Hardin — and a Bookmobile service. A host of digital services can be accessed at www.marshallcolibrary.org.