The latest, web-based version of LIBERO, Version 6 rolls out across Parkes Shire Library Service this month.
For more than 15 years LIBERO has support management and customer service processes and a catalogue of 46,000 resources across Parkes’ four regional branches.
“We have a membership of nearly 5,000 and services that include interlibrary loans with local libraries and a free home library service for house-bound members in the area.”
“Since 1994 LIBERO has reliably managed all of this and continued to present opportunity to expand services with new functionality at the cutting edge of contemporary library management,” said Parkes’ Library Manager, Shellie Buckle.
The New South Wales based library will go live on LIBERO Version 6 at the end of May with the assistance of LIBERO’s Technical Support and Professional Services Teams.
“We recently received training and the entire staff team were all just so excited to see what we were going to be able to do with LIBERO Version 6,” she said.
“The dashboard feature offers seamless access to any module, and the workflow toolbars keeps everything at finger tips, so you don’t have to go looking for anything,” said Buckle.
“This works to make all our processes much more efficient – whether it be at the Circulation Desk, cataloguing or creating reports ordering new items,” she said.
Using web conventional navigation, the Version 6 interface maximises useability for library staff and customers alike. Information tabs, customisable hyperlink menus or drop-down lists and a workflow toolbar feature provide seamless access to relevant process and information without overwhelming the screen with data.
“Simple things – like the use of colour identifiers – for instance, when an item is returned and needs to go to a different branch is something that just makes everyday processes and management so much easier!” said Buckle.
“This is what reminds you that LIBERO is built for librarians,” she said.
The result of over five years development to rebuild LIBERO with technology capable of Web 2.0 functionality and library management processes refined over LIBERO’s 25 years and 450 customers, Version 6 is currently used at libraries and organisations nation-wide.
The European LIBERO Version 6, complete with regionalised features such as language translations and MAB cataloguing standards will be featured at the 100th Congress of Librarians in Berlin, Germany next month. LIBERO has a strong international base of more than 300 Public, Academic and Special libraries across Austria, Italy and Germany. Customers include The Museum of Modern Art in Zurich and 60 libraries across the Padova region in Italy, managed as a consortium.
Supported clients have access to LIBERO Version 6 software free of charge in the form of an upgrade, providing a range of new features including the brand new interface, the eMessaging module, blogs and collaborative platforms such as ability to write, review and share book reviews with fellow readers.
“It’s remarkable to have been using LIBERO for so many years and yet still have access to features that continue to evolve our customer services,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to the response from our customers to the new functionality,” said Buckle.