Naperville library's computer upgrades cause service disruptions

The good news for Naperville Public Library patrons: You might be able to keep some books for a couple extra days.

The bad news: You won't be able to put books on hold for a few weeks.

Naperville Public Library officials are cautioning residents this week about upcoming service disruptions while they transition to a new computer automation program. Patrons still will be able to borrow books during this time, but other challenges may arise.

The computer automation program handles many aspects of the library's functionality - check-outs, check-ins, ordering materials and the library catalog. The library has more than 760,000 items and conducts 4 million check-outs annually.

"That's why we need a very good computer system" said Susan Greenwood, community relations coordinator. "In business we talk about transactions and we really do a lot of transactions and they're complex."

The library board approved the new $489,847 system in August, the cost of which will be financed from its capital reserves. Work actually began in September, but the approaching disruptions will be the first to affect the public.

Over the next few weeks, patrons still will be able to borrow books as usual, but may not be able to put them on hold and also may find inaccuracies in the library catalog. Some due dates will be extended during the transition.

"Whatever inconveniences there are now will be more than made up for when we have the new system," Deputy Director Julie Rothenfluh said. "We feel it will be very user-friendly and we feel it will have exceptional new features so we hope people will forgive us in the long run for disruption in short run."

The projected schedule for disruptions is as follows, though the dates are not set in stone.

• Now until April 23: No holds allowed. Holds not picked up by April 23 will expire.

• April 19 to early May: No overdue fines or "hold" notices will be sent out.

• April 19 to 22: No library materials due.

• April 20 to 23: Access to "My Account" in the library catalog will be turned off at 5 p.m. on April 20 and kept off until the new system goes live April 24.

• April 21: System migration day. Items can be checked out but you must have your library card in hand. No renewals or new library cards on this day. You still can download audio books, movies and music.

• April 22: The new system should be up and running.

• April 23: This is the first day library materials are due.

• April 24: Patrons should be able to access "My Account" in the newly constructed library catalog.

For more information, visit www.naperville-lib.org/.