On the Same Page: Changes coming to LINKcat

As you may have already heard on the news, LINKcat will be undergoing a number of changes. It will still look and act much as it does today, with the addition of easy access to Libby and some other functional updates. In order to make these changes, the system will have a period of downtime beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, and extending until Friday, April 17. Staff will be unable to access the catalog or patron account information during this time. Your checked-out items and holds will all transfer into the new system. Items on the hold shelf as of April 12 will be held through Tuesday, April 21.

Things you can do during down-time (April 12-17):

● Read the books you picked up before the downtime started.

● Stop into the library to check out materials at the circulation desk with your library card, read the newspaper, say “Hi” to the staff, or pick up a printed calendar.

● Schedule a meeting room or study room.

● Use a library computer.

● Access Libby, Overdrive, online Databases and RPL’s website.

Things you can’t do during down-time (April 12-17):

● Register for a new library card, update your contact information or renew an expired card.

● Search the catalog or place holds on materials.

● Access your account for renewals or managing holds.

● Use the self-check or check out materials without your library card.

Staff has been busy learning a new system behind the scenes as well. Ne patient with them as employees and volunteers learn to navigate the new software system and explore the new features in LINKcat.

Monday’s Mingle and Muse program on April 13 at 10 a.m. will feature Becky Ziegler of Red Dot Quilts. Her trunk quilt program is rescheduled from its original date on March 16.

In preparation for Earth Day, RPL has teamed up with the Ecumenical Caring for Creation Team to offer two Environmental Best Practices Roundtables on Saturday, April 18, at 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. Bring your ideas about smart alternatives to single-use items, natural cleaning products, green energy solutions, and recycling.

For questions about any library service or program, call the library at 608-768-READ or email info@reedsburglibrary.org