Schenectady County Public Library (SCPL) is preparing for a significant transition, bringing exciting upgrades to services and systems. These improvements are part of an ongoing commitment to enhancing the library experience for all patrons. Temporary changes will take place during this time, and SCPL wants to ensure patrons are informed.
“This transition will help us better serve our community by making services more accessible and responsive to the needs of our residents,” said Charity Thorne, Executive Director of the Schenectady County Public Library. “While there will be some temporary adjustments, these changes will ultimately lead to a more user-friendly library experience for all.”
Starting Monday, November 11, the ability to place holds in the current catalog will be temporarily suspended. During this period, patrons will not be able to place holds on materials for pickup at different branches until the new system launches on December 5. SCPL apologizes for any inconvenience and appreciates the community’s understanding during this important update.
Beginning Monday, November 25, SCPL will operate in offline mode as data migrates to the new catalog system. During this time, limited functionality will be available, and staff will still check out items but will not be able to:
- Access account information
- Renew items or process payments
- Search the catalog for materials
- Perform other online services
The new catalog system introduces improvements that simplify finding materials, allowing patrons to use enhanced search filters to quickly locate available items, check branch locations, and view all formats of an item grouped together (such as large print, audiobook, and ebook options). For those who prefer the previous interface or need to search WorldCat for materials not owned by SCPL, a “classic catalog” interface will also be available. These updates will make searching faster, easier, and more intuitive.
During the transition period, SCPL will implement a temporary process for new patron registration to allow new patrons to check out materials.
This shift is part of SCPL’s decision to leave the Joint Automation (JA) Project and begin managing library services independently. The transition will enable SCPL to provide more responsive service, faster processing of new materials, and new options such as Wi-Fi hotspots and video games.
By independently managing catalog and IT systems, SCPL will gain flexibility, improved security, and enhanced service capabilities, supporting SCPL’s dedication to offering new services, improving accessibility, and tailoring collections to better meet patron needs.
“We are excited for the future and the opportunities this transition will bring,” said Thorne. “Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to create a library system that is more responsive to the needs of our community. Even better service awaits in the months and years ahead.”
Schenectady County Public Library (SCPL)
SCPL is operated by Schenectady County and is made up of 9 branch libraries located throughout the county. SCPL offers educational, cultural, recreational, and informational programs for all ages at branches throughout the county. Learn more about upcoming programming, events, and library locations and hours of operation at www.scpl.org.
Over the past 10 years at Schenectady County Public Libraries more than 9.9 million items were circulated, more than 238,000 children and caregivers attended youth services programs, and more than 100,000 attended adult services programs.
In September, SCPL implemented new hours of operation to ensure all branches will be open Monday through Saturday, with each neighborhood branch offering evening hours twice a week on either Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays, making library services more accessible for residents on nights and weekends.
Investing in Our Libraries
Schenectady County is proud to support a county-wide library system with nine branches to better serve our communities. Since 2010, the County Legislature has invested over $14 million in infrastructure improvements for the Schenectady County Public Library System, including:
- Building two new neighborhood libraries—Phyllis Bornt and Mont Pleasant.
- Adding a children’s wing at the Hon. Karen B. Johnson (Central) Library.
- Expanding program spaces, updating paint, seating, and window coverings, and upgrading technology to provide Wi-Fi and computer access.
- Adding a new community room at the Scotia branch.
- Upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting.
- Improving parking, sidewalks, and installing new circulation desks to enhance accessibility.
For more information or questions, visit www.scpl.org or call (518) 386-2824.
The mission of the Schenectady County Public Library is to satisfy the community’s recreational, educational, informational, and cultural needs by providing free and open access to a comprehensive range of materials, services, and programs.