Our Library Management System allows borrowing and returning, controls access on e-resources, purchases new materials, supports interlibrary loans, holds information for Library Search and so much more.
Introduction
This summer the Library has changed the software we use to manage library accounts and resources.
This change has allowed us to provide a more flexible and streamlined service.
Below are some of the details we think will be useful to you as the project progresses and information about how the changes may affect you.
If you need any assistance or have any questions about the new Library System please contact the Library Helpdesk on lib.helpdesk@uea.ac.uk or 01603 59 2993.
If you have any comments or feedback on the new Library System please email library.feedback@uea.ac.uk.
It's here....
Why has Library Search changed?
We now have Library Search – Books & eBooks and Library Search – Journal Articles. Depending on what you are looking for you will need to choose which Library Search you need. We are offering the two versions because the new library system has allowed us to offer an enhanced book search option. This option also allows for requests for items to be made at the click of a button. Journal articles can still be found via the familiar interface that we had before. Over the coming year we will be able to offer further enhancements resulting from both our move to the new library system and collaboration with staff and students.
My Account
As before you are able to manage your Library account online, now via the My account feature. This is available from the Library home page and within Library Search – Books & eBooks. Log in to your account to check what you have on loan and check on requests you have placed. You will also need to login to your account to request items. Your login is your usual UEA login.
How do I make a request for an item?
If an item you need is not available YOU WILL NEED TO REQUEST IT. Once you've found the item on Library Search, click the Request button. If you are not logged in already you will be prompted to do this. Your login is your usual UEA login. When requesting an item you will be able to choose where to collect it from - for most people this will be 'Main Library'.
Once the item you have requested is returned to the Main Library you will be able to collect it from the Requests shelf in the High Demand area on floor 0. All the information you need will be in the email notification you receive once the item is ready for you to collect. If you need any help please speak to Library staff.
Frequently asked questions
Background information
We have been using our current Library Management System (LMS) to manage the processes around the acquisition, cataloguing and circulation of library materials for over 17 years. The system was designed around the management of print materials and is no longer fit for purpose for a 21st century library where the majority of our expenditure is on the online library.
A new generation of Library Services Platform (LSP) has been developed in recent years which has been designed around digital as well as print resources. These new platforms offer more flexibility and will allow us to streamline our operations and be more responsive to the changing needs of our users.
Following a formal procurement and tender exercise OCLC were awarded the contract to supply the Library with their WorldShare Management Services Platform.
The move to our new platform will necessitate changes to some of our workflows and also some changes for users of the Library.