Evergreen
Evergreen is here!
What is Evergreen?
On May 15, 2012, the Meyersdale Public Library will change
its automation system from Millennium to Evergreen. Evergreen is library
software that will better assist users with finding the library materials they
need, while helping our library to better manage our materials and records.
The tentative timeline is:
April-May: Staff training
May 7th-May 11th:
Cataloging freeze. No new patron accounts can be created at this time. Please
bear with us through this week.
May 15th, 2012: Go
live on Evergreen!
Why Evergreen?
·
Shared standards and circulation policies for
all Pennsylvania Evergreen libraries
·
Shared system means reduced costs to libraries
·
More advanced search and account management
features for library users
·
Flexibility and reliability
What are some of the changes?
·
In order to provide better service to our
patrons, library cards will be required to check out library materials, renew
materials, use a computer, and place a hold.
·
Photo ID and proof of address are required when
registering for a library card or renewing an expired library card.
·
Library services will not be blocked until fines
have exceeded $10.00 or if there are 10 or more overdue items on an account.
·
Overdue fines are $0.25 per day for books and
audios, and $1.00 per day for videos and DVDs. For books/audios, this is an
increase from our previous $0.15 per day, so please be sure to return or renew
your materials on time to avoid the fines.
·
If an item is overdue for more than 21 days, you
will receive a bill for the lost item. Please be sure to return your books
before then, or let us know if it is lost. If you have received a bill, it’s
not too late to return the book. We would much prefer to have the book back and
save you from paying a lost item fee and processing fee. If you no longer have
the items, please let us know. The sooner we are notified the sooner we can
stop the late fees from accruing and the sooner you can have services restored
when the fine is paid down.
·
No library card
may be used without the account holder being present, unless a special
arrangement has been made with the director.
·
If you provide
the library with an email address, a courtesy notice will be emailed to you
three days before your library materials are due, and you will be notified when
your holds are available to pick up.
·
When library
materials are lost, you will be responsible for the replacement cost,
outstanding overdue fines, and a $12.50 processing fee. Please let us know if
you believe your book is lost so the late fees will stop accruing.
How can I prepare for the switch from Millennium to Evergreen?
·
If you already have a “My Millennium” online
account, your password will automatically reset to the last four digits of your
phone number. Please keep in mind that this will not take effect until our “go
live” date of May 15th.
·
If you already have a library account with us
but cannot find your card, you may replace it now at no cost. No forms need to
be filled out, however, if you have moved, please let library staff know of any
changes in address or phone number at this time.
·
Start getting into the habit of presenting your
library card to use the computer, check out or renew books, or place a hold. By
the time May 15th rolls around, you’ll be prepared for the change.
·
Payment plans are still available if you cannot
pay the full balance of your fine. Start paying down your fines now to get your
balance under $10.00.
·
If you have a special circumstance and require
someone else to check books or holds out for you, please contact the library so
special arrangements can be made.
·
If you don’t currently have a card with us and
would like to get one, you will need an ID and proof of address. Examples of a
valid ID are driver’s license, passport, or school ID. If your driver’s license
or photo ID does not have your current address, you may use a recent utility
bill, lease agreement, or other valid proof.
·
Communication is key. If you have received an
overdue notice from us but are still having trouble locating your library
materials, we can provide an extra extension if the item is not on hold. If you
did indeed lose the book, please let us know as soon as possible so you do not
keep accruing late fees. We are here to help, so don’t be afraid to stop by or give
us a call.
What if I am not comfortable with these changes?
The switch from Millennium to Evergreen requires us to
follow the policies outlined in our agreement with Evergreen. These measures
are intended to benefit both the library and the public. Change is not always
easy to accept, and it will take some adjustment for both the public and staff,
but ultimately it is our goal to insure patron information is kept accurate as
well as confidential and that Evergreen policies are being followed. We respect our patron’s rights to privacy and
strive to offer fast, accurate, and friendly services. As with any new program,
it will take some time for our staff to learn the new processes and become
proficient with the Evergreen system. We ask for your patience and cooperation.
For more information about these policy changes or the switch to Evergreen,
please give us a call.