Leicestershire Libraries are moving to a new library management system (LMS) in February. This system manages your account details, loan history, and our collection of books, and other resources.
The main system update will take place from 5 February to 17 February 2025, however please have a look at the frequently asked questions list below, as there may be other downtime dates that apply to you.
There will also be a period when the libraries catalogue will be unavailable. The new catalogue is scheduled to be available from the start of March.
Who will be affected?
All Leicestershire Library users and libraries will be affected.
When will this happen?
The update will taking place between 5 February and 17 February 2025, with the new catalogue currently scheduled to be available from the start of March 2025.
Is there anything I need to do before the system change?
If you use wish lists on our library catalogue, these will not be carried over. Please make a note of your books in your wish list to add them on the new catalogue when it goes live. You will need to do this before 1 February 2025.
Will there be any downtime where I can’t use online services?
During the migration period there will be system downtime starting 6 February, until 17 February when all libraries should be live with the new system.
Will it affect smart hours?
The 14 libraries that currently operate smart library access will not be open during smart hours during the period of system downtime. Staffed hours will remain the same but there will be limited access to the LMS.
Will the website and catalogue be changing?
Our website is not changing but the current online catalogue will be unavailable from 5 February as it is linked to the library management system. We anticipate the new catalogue being available from 1 March 2025. Until this time it will not be possible to search for items online, to place holds online, to renew your own items, or to join online. However, during this time you might see that links to the catalogue are removed or changed, that you will not be able to access our catalogue to renew items, and that the search box for our old catalogue is removed until the new catalogue goes live.
Can I still use library computers?
Yes, but the PC booking software will be in offline mode. If you’ve used library computers before, you can continue to do so. New users will need assistance from a staff member. We will not be able to book PCs in advance for customers.
Can I still print from a library computer?
You will not be able to print from a library computer during the system downtime. We anticipate this being available from 20 February 2025.
Will this affect e-resources?
You will still have access to e-Resources (eBooks, eAudio, eMagazines and eNewspapers, including Borrowbox, Libby and Pressreader) as long as you are already logged in with your library card number and PIN before 5 February at 7pm. If you get logged out during the downtime period, then you won’t be able to log in again to any eResources that require new authentication until after we go live with the new system.
Can I still borrow and return books?
You will still be able to borrow and return books during our opening hours, we will be using a temporary offline system so we will not be able to tell you what you have on loan. You will also still be able to return books using our letterboxes.
How will other library services be affected?
Until the new system goes live, our library staff and kiosks will not be able to:
- search the catalogue for stock
- take payments for any fees owed as well as lost or damaged items
- change your account details
- view, place or modify stock reservations
- receive new stock
Online joining registration will be unavailable. You can still become a library member by visiting any of our libraries during their opening hours.
Are you still ordering new stock?
From 3 January 2025, we will be unable to order new titles for our libraries. Any items not supplied by 24 January will be cancelled, along with any related reservations. We will reorder as soon as possible once the new system is operational with our suppliers. Once we are live with the new system, we will automatically order recent releases from popular authors to fill this gap. We will aim to get these onto our library shelves as soon as possible in early April.
Are you extending loans?
Items borrowed in the lead up to the downtime and therefore due back during the migration will have their due dates extended until 1 March 2025. Those borrowed during the downtime will continue to be subject to a 3 week loan period.
Can I still reserve books?
You can still borrow books, but placing new reservations or holds won’t be possible from 3 January 2025 in preparation for the move.
Can I still check books in and out using a library kiosk?
You can check books in and out, but account details won’t be accessible.