West Des Moines Library Makes Technology Changes: What You Need to Know

A news release from the West Des Moines Public Library:

The West Des Moines Public Library is changing the computer catalog system it uses and will unveil the new system on Feb. 27.

After close to 15 years with an older system, the library staff and board of trustees decided last year that a new online catalog was needed to keep up with changing trends in technology and customer service. 

The new system, Sierra, will allow patrons more control of their own library accounts and more individualized service from the library. The system can send library users text messages alerting them when materials are due and will allow them to renew from their mobile devices or with a telephone call.

Customers will also be able to pay fines online, keep track of what they have already read and review and recommend library materials to others by leaving feedback in the catalog.

"It will make the experience of using the library more about the individual user," says West Des Moines library director Darryl Eschete. "Library customers want the library to reach out and find them where they are, and Sierra can do that.”

The transition from one library system to another may mean some temporary service interruptions, Eschete says, and wants West Des Moines Library users to keep some dates in mind before the new system goes up on the 27th:

• Beginning tonight (Feb. 21) at 9 p.m., users will not be able to place requests on materials through the library’s online catalog.

Between Feb. 21-27:

• Library users will have limited online access to their accounts
• Users will not be able to request or renew materials online 
• Users may want to email themselves their saved reading lists, as they might not transfer from one system to the other.
• Availability of materials will not be updated in the catalog; users will need to call the library to confirm availability.

West Des Moines Library customers with any questions about the new system should contact technical services supervisor Leo Kriz at 515-222-3410 or leo.kriz@wdm.iowa.gov.