We are excited to announce that The Seattle Public Library is preparing to transition to a new, modern integrated library system (ILS), which is critical operational infrastructure for Library collections and services.
This major project was a promise we made to Seattle residents in the 2019 Library Levy and is an important part of our 2024-2033 Strategic Plan. We plan for the work to occur this September.
This will be a big change for the Library’s behind-the-scenes systems, and we are confident it will help us serve you better for years to come!
What is an ILS?
An ILS is the platform most libraries use to manage collections and catalog records, patron accounts and borrowing activity, and the circulation and delivery of materials. The Library’s ILS also supports our Mobile Services program, which brings Library services directly to people in the community, and our Interlibrary Loan program, which patrons can use to request and borrow materials from other libraries across the U.S. and internationally.
Why is the Library investing in a modern ILS?
The Library has used our current ILS for over 20 years and it has become outdated and difficult to support, which creates risk to the stability of our services and the security of our data. An investment in a new system will provide more stability and significantly reduce the possibility of unpredictable service disruptions.
It will also:
- Provide a more intuitive interface and more efficient backend processes for Library staff as they work every day to help patrons find materials and manage their accounts, process and circulate materials, and manage our collection;
- Better integrate with the Library’s mobile app and other Library technology, like the automated materials handling system used to process returns and support the delivery of materials across the Library system; and
- Stay up-to-date and secure through regular cloud-based updates and enhancements.
How will the new ILS help Library patrons?
Once the new system is implemented, it will continue to mature and evolve. Patrons will benefit from ongoing improvements, including:
- New and helpful account management features, such as the ability to set their own secure account password. Patrons are currently limited to a 4-digit pin;
- More convenient opt-in text notifications for holds and account updates;
- New self-checkout stations systemwide, which will function similarly to existing technology but be easier to use and more reliable;
- Improved borrowing and account management for Mobile Services patrons, as staff will be able to use our system remotely and even in offline mode; and
- More detailed location information about items in the catalog, which will make it easier to find materials, especially in larger locations like the Central Library.
What service impacts can patrons expect during this project?
During this project, Library buildings will be open as scheduled, programs will continue, and patrons will be able to browse stacks and check out materials from Library staff. E-books and e-audiobooks will be available through the Libby app. In-building Wi-Fi and public computers will also remain available.
Because this is a major IT infrastructure project, some services will be paused or taken temporarily offline in September.
The first impact some patrons might notice is to our Suggest a Title online submission form. Because we will be unable to purchase and add newly recommended titles to our physical collection while we make this switch, we are temporarily limiting suggestions to digital items only.
Beginning in August, patrons will notice that new titles with August or September publication dates will not be available in our catalog for holds. These titles will be available after the new ILS is up and running.
As the project progresses, we will share more details with Library patrons about additional benefits and impacts they can expect. Stay tuned!