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Civica systems enable Hertfordshire Libraries to enhance loans management and improve choice

Civica has partnered with Hertfordshire Libraries to install its Spydus library management systems across the county’s full library network and to train staff to work with the new system. Spydus will enhance the management of Hertfordshire’s core library functions for its 6.5 million annual loans including stock circulation, cataloguing, public access, stock rotation, facilitating reservations and stock purchase. It also integrates with RFID enabled self-service facilities, encouraging customers to use and access the systems themselves.

Simon Parkes, director, libraries and learning, Civica, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Hertfordshire Libraries to SELMS. The SELMS consortium allows libraries throughout the South-East to pool their resources and share best practices, thus widening access for borrowers and significantly lowering ICT and administrative costs. The more libraries we can integrate into the system, the more effectively we can do this.”

Working with Hertfordshire Libraries, Civica delivered full training to key staff, according to a curriculum defined by Hertfordshire Libraries to match its own processes and culture. Spydus went live across the county in March and further features are being introduced following the launch, including e-mail notification, user reviews and new title listings.

The new system allows Hertfordshire Libraries to connect to the systems and networks of the SELMS consortium. SELMS, originally formed by Civica and a group of six library authorities in 2005, allows libraries to share stock and ICT resources, therefore helping to streamline administration and boost service from their ICT investment and greatly reduce administrative workloads. The consortium has grown to become Europe’s largest library system with 12 members and annual book loans exceeding 30 million.

Civica plays a ‘hub’ role in the consortium, using its Spydus software to allow members to automate many of their local libraries’ functions, build web-based lending and mobile access models and provide instant access to library stock databases from across the consortium.
Sue Valentine, principal librarian, Resources, Hertfordshire Libraries, said: “Civica’s Spydus software and the connection it creates to SELMS enables us to provide a new level of flexibility and service for our borrowers and it allows us to continue to expand the services we can offer online.”