Check your local library service for exact dates that the library management system will be offline at your library (this is likely to be around 6-13 December).

During this period you will need to know your library card number in order to borrow books and your PIN to be able to access digital services that are available. If you don’t know either of these, please ask library staff as soon as you can. You might be unable to search the catalogue, change your account details or reserve books.

Why are Welsh Libraries changing systems?

The contract with our previous computer system supplier is ending and we were required to re-tender for this contract. This was undertaken on an All-Wales basis, and supported by Welsh Government. The outcome of this was that a different supplier will be providing the library management system when the current contract ends.

What will happen?

• On or during the week leading up to 11th December the current system will be switched off.
• For a few days libraries will be using a temporary system from the new supplier to manage the loan and return of books while the new system is brought online.
• Libraries will then begin to change over to the new system.

The Library Service is grateful to customers for their patience and cooperation with the changeover. A press release will appear on this site to update you on the new system.

Libraries across Wales will be working in partnership with the new supplier to deliver this change and minimise the impact on customer service wherever possible.

Will there be any impact on library opening hours during this change over?

There is no plan to close any libraries for this work.

Will I be able to borrow books during the changeover?

Yes, customers will be able to continue to borrow items throughout. However you will need your library membership number to be able to borrow books during the changeover as there will not be a facility to check your membership number on the temporary system.

Will I be able to return books and other items during the changeover?

Yes. Any charges that might normally apply to items that become overdue during the transition period in early December will not be charged during that period.

 

Will I be able to renew books in the changeover period?

To renew any items you have on loan you will effectively need to ‘return’ them and have them loaned to you again. To do this you will need to take the items to the library with your library card or this can be done over the telephone if you have your library membership number and the barcode numbers for the books to hand when calling.

Will I be able to use digital services available through my library membership?

Use of online platforms such as Borrowbox and Pressreader may be subject to some disruption during the changeover period due to the way they link to the membership database. However libraries are working with these resource suppliers so that this will be kept to a minimum.

Will I still get notifications of things like my books becoming overdue?

No. Notifications via SMS and email will be temporarily unavailable until the service this facility is implemented for us when the new system is live. When available these will also look different and come from different ‘addresses’.

Will I be able to still use the library WiFi?

Yes. This will be unaffected by this change.

Will I be able to log into a library PC?

Yes. Customers who use PCs in the library prior to the changeover will not be affected and temporary arrangements will be in place for new users during the transition.

Can I use the self-service machines at my local library?

No. Self-service machines will be unavailable until the changeover is complete.

Can somebody join the library during the changeover period?

Yes. New library memberships will still be available during the transition period by visiting any library in person. Unfortunately, new customers will not be able to join online until the new website is available.

Will there be any changes to the way my personal data is handled with the new library management system?

This is a change of service provider only, from the current system which operates across most authorities in Wales, to another that operates in much the same way.  

Data protection for customer records with the move to the new service provider is covered by appropriate data protection agreements and system security protocols. Statements on how your data is safeguarded will be made available to customers as the new system comes into place.
 
What if I still have questions?

Please ask your local library staff, who will be able to discuss any queries customers might have about this changeover.

Find your local library’s contact information on the Libraries Wales website.