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 will be changing the software we use to manage library accounts and resources.
We hope this change will allow 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.
If you need any assistance or have any questions about the new Library Management System please contact the Library Helpdesk on lib.helpdesk@uea.ac.uk or 01603 59 2993.
Temporary Reduction in Service
What can I look forward to with the new Library system?
Will I be able to borrow more books and other items?
As part of the process of updating our Library system we have taken the opportunity to increase the number of books and items that library users are entitled to borrow. These changes have been made to reflect the different needs of each type of user and are based on feedback we have received and comparisons with other universities.
| Last academic year | This academic year (from 1 August 2019) | |
| Staff and research postgraduates | 20 | 30 |
| Taught postgraduates | 15 | 20 |
| Undergraduates | 10 | 15 |
How long can I have books for in the new academic year?
Loan lengths have been simplified. We will have 2 loan lengths; 7 days for all Normal Loans and 3 Days for high demand items. Some items will still be reference copies for use in the Library.
Once the new Library system is introduced all loans will automatically renew ‘indefinitely’ unless requested by another user. Please use the resources while you have them and then return them once you no longer need them.
Will I still receive emails about my loans?
Once the new Library system is in place you will only receive an email from the Library when you are required to take action. If a book is requested from you, you will be notified and given 3 days to bring it back. If you cannot bring it back within 3 days please get in touch with the Library Helpdesk.
You will no longer receive emails reminding you to renew items as your loans will automatically renew, unless requested by another user who needs them. There will be no emails about overdue items because they automatically renew unless requested.
Will we still have vacation loans?
We will still have Vacation Loans, which means that any Normal Loan items borrowed during a vacation will not be due back until after vacation. So, any 7 day items you borrow from the 1st August until mid-September will not be due back until the week beginning 23rd September. From the 23rd September items will begin to automatically renew unless they have been requested by another user.
3 Day Loan items are excluded from the Vacation Loan scheme so you are advised not to take these away over the vacation period. However from the 1st August if you borrow 3 Day items they will automatically renew unless requested by another user. If a 3 Day item is requested you will be emailed and told the date it needs to be back.
If you require an item that is out on loan during vacation, please speak to the Library Helpdesk who will do their best to obtain an alternative copy for you.
To maximise the circulation of stock, we urge you return to the library all items that you do not need over the vacation and only keep out anything essential.
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.