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photo by Ben Hillyer
Ashley Barnes, kneeling, and Jomesala Barnes with her baby Joshua Gatlin look through the shelves of the library Tuesday afternoon. Other than changes in the library’s card catalog, patrons will notice little difference in the library after the Polaris System is installed.
Library to close for computer upgrades
Published Wednesday, September 23, 2009
NATCHEZ — The George W. Armstrong Library will close for five days beginning Oct. 1 to install a new computer automation system that director Susan Cassagne says will benefit both staff and patrons.
The Polaris Library System, to be installed Oct. 1 - 6, will expedite registration, checkouts, computer printing and recordkeeping, Cassagne said. The library will reopen Oct. 7.
“We think it’s going to be much easier for both our patrons and staff to use,” Cassagne said of the system.
Cassagne said the system will work in conjunction with the library’s new Web site, which is now under construction. The system will allow users to keep a list of library books they’ve read, which can be accessed using a personal identification number.
Photo by Ben Hillyer
George W. Armstrong LIbrary director Susan Cassagne, left, shows Archie Hall, foreground, and Delores Mullins how to navigate through the new Polaris Library System that will be completely installed in early October.
Patrons can also sign up for an e-mail alert informing them of new book arrivals.
“Every time a new John Grisham book comes out, every time a new Greg Iles book comes out, they can create a request list that’s set up biweekly, monthly or bimonthly,” Cassagne said.
“You’ll get an e-mail saying, ‘Greg Iles has a new book out. Want to get on the list for it? Log in right now.’”
The system also allows children to search for books by illustrations and adjusts text size for the visually impaired.
Cassagne is confident the system will improve library operations, citing successful installations in Lincoln, Lawrence, Copiah and Jefferson counties.
“Several counties in Mississippi that are using this system are very pleased with it,” Cassagne said.
Due to the inconvenience of the library’s closing, Cassagne said the library is offering extended checkout to those who request it, and is waving fines for any library items returned between Oct. 7 and Oct. 10.
“We do hope our patrons have patience as they get through learning the new system,” Cassagne said. “It will be a learning experience for all of us.”
Comments
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on September 23, 2009 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I gave the library a genealogy book for the Chamber's family about six months ago.
Well, when I last checked, the library did not have it in their collection. Some poor excuse about how busy the library staff had been was the excuse I got.
Posted by Natchezms (anonymous) on September 23, 2009 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If you're unhappy with the way your donation was handled, why don't you call the Director? As she always says, "I can't fix what I don't know about."
Posted by ConstantComment (anonymous) on September 23, 2009 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I love the Armstrong Library and look forward to the additional system. Right now, I keep each of my paper slips in case I want to remember a book I've checked out before. Now, I won't have to do that. Keep up the good work! And, by the way, whoever makes book buying decisions seems to be reading my mind! I can never wait to see what's new at our wonderful little library!
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on September 23, 2009 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Okay, I owe the library an apology. i just got a call from the library and my book has been cataloged and my donation was appreciated.
Posted by BRL (anonymous) on September 23, 2009 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Out with the old, in with the new. A better educated public through our library, is the way to go! And I always meet someone I know, in the library.
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