Nanuet Library Board Meeting: New Online Services Available

Among other matters discussed at Tuesday’s meeting it was noted that patrons are now able to access a number of new online services that include, among other items, a way to pay late fees online via PayPal.

The library’s new software system is a backend management product called Symphony that offers patrons an updated and more comprehensive online interface when searching the catalogue.

According to Adult Reference Librarian Julie Marallo, the library migrated from the old software system, called Horizon, to Symphony in December. The new system allows patrons to access the library's catalog with a clean new interface which is easily searchable. In addition to detailed searches, patrons may add books to a temporary wish list, request books be held at the library for pickup and even email items and lists for future reference. The system also allows patrons to specify a library from which to pick up items.

New to the online experience is the addition of a mobile app that allows patrons to access their accounts via smart phones such as the iPhone and Android handsets. The mobile app is called BookMyne, which not only allows account access to the library’s catalogue, but offers users the ability to search, tag and hold books for pickup. The mobile application is free and is available in the iTunes store and Android Marketplace.

Another advantage of the new system is the ability to pay late fees online using PayPal. Once a patron logs into his or her account, they will find a Fines tab that specifies what materials are overdue, how  much is owed on each item, and a link to PayPal with which patrons can easily pay the fine. In addition to PayPal, the new interface offers patrons a  more transparent way to share their choices and get more information about books via social networks such as Facebook.

Also presented at Tuesday’s meeting was the Director’s Report in which a number of maintenance items were addressed. Among them:

• That a decision needs to be reached concerning the necessary cleaning and/or replacement of bathroom fixtures
• The possible hiring of Valerio Contracting to resolve the leaky roof over the children’s section.
• Removal and containment of polluted water at the bottom of the elevator shaft
• A cost effective repair for outdoor steps
• That a decision needs to be made if it is cost effective to replace a broken water fountain
• It was decided that the tree that was recently poses no threat to passers-by and will be left as is.