Submitted by Amy Allen
Calhoun County Library
354-6300
Change is just around the corner at your local library. With the development of the new Mountain Library Network (MLN), 32 public and academic libraries have joined to bring you more choices in materials, programming, and service.
The first change you will encounter is that you will need to exchange your old local library card for the new Mountain Library Network card.
This one card will give you access to all 32 libraries. No need to carry different cards for each location, now one card does it all.
However, with advanced privilege comes heightened responsibility so if you have overdue books in one location, you may have your borrowing privileges suspended at all locations.
Once you have your new card, its time to explore where technology is taking you in MLN libraries.
A second change, and this is a big one, is the automation software conversion to Innovative's Millennium.
To experience the benefits, you will want to establish a computer account with the assistance of your librarian. Be sure to set up a personal reading profile so you can be notified when new materials that suit your interests arrive at the library.
The library website will contain a hot titles button for a quick list of new titles that you may have missed in your exclusive reading profile. Once you have become established, you can access many of MLN's special services from any computer, whether it's at home, work or the library. Accessibility is a key feature provided by this software and it is also a major component of MLN.
You can have access to holdings at all 32 libraries.
While on-line with MLN's new Millennium software, you can search just the holdings of your local library or you can search the entire MLN's holdings; the choice is yours.
If you find what you are looking for at your local library, you can request that the materials are held for you and you will be notified when they are ready for you.
Later, when you discover that your due date is coming upon you sooner than you expected, you can go on-line to renew the material (as long as it is not on a hold list.
On the other hand, perhaps it's too late to renew, but the librarian might send you a friendly reminderâ¦by e-mail. Now you won't have to worry about your privileges being suspended at all the locations after all, will you?
Whether it's the library on the corner, around the corner or in the other corner of the state, change is coming.
If you haven't visited your library lately, now would be a great time to be reacquainted with the staff and to explore the new services provided through your Mountain Library Network. "Many librariesâ¦one card does it all."
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