By JON WILSON, Consulting Editor, TB Reporter

The new approach promises new options to go with familiar features.

ST. PETERSBURG — The Pinellas County Public Libraries have announced their change to a new online catalog system effective Friday (March 25). The change includes St. Petersburg’s seven community libraries. The new online catalog and checkout system, supported by SirsiDynix, will continue to provide many familiar features and will offer new options for St. Petersburg libraries. Patrons will keep their current library cards and passwords.

SirsiDynix technology began when Northwestern University automated its card catalog during the 1960s. More than 23,000 libraries facilities in more than 70 countries use the company’s products, according to its website.

St. Petersburg’s transition began Monday and will continue through Thursday (March 24). Over these few days, access to the catalog and patron account information will be interrupted. Patrons will need their library cards in order to check out materials. Library staff will be unable to check in materials; to place or fill holds; to accept payments; or to renew materials. Access to some of the libraries’ databases and electronic resources may also be interrupted during this period.

Loan periods for materials normally due during this period will be extended automatically, so patrons will be able to enjoy materials for a little longer than usual while library staff get up and running on the new system.

Links to the new catalog should be available on Friday (March 25). Patrons who have saved a link to the current catalog on their personal devices will need to delete the old link and update it with a new link. Patrons will be able to search the catalog, place requests, and enjoy full account access.

For answers to any questions you may have, contact the St. Petersburg Main Library at (727) 893-7724 or visit www.splibraries.org.

Due to the library’s migration to a new catalog and check-out system, and the Easter holiday, the St. Petersburg Main Library and West Community Library (at St. Petersburg College) will be closed for three days, Friday to Sunday. (March 25 through March 27).

Other community libraries (Childs Park, Johnson, North, Mirror Lake and South libraries) will be open on Friday and Saturday, March 25-26.

St. Petersburg | Arts and Leisure | Libraries | TB Reporter

#St.Petersburg #ArtsandLeisure #Libraries #TBReporter