The winner of the Knosys Libero Innovation Award 2024 is Woollahra Libraries for improving their stocktake processes. Previously, stocktaking was time-consuming and prone to errors. With the help of Libero, the library introduced a more efficient system, reducing manual work and increasing accuracy.
“The more efficient stocktake process allows us to more readily see when a stock item was last scanned – this is useful context when we assist members looking for items that cannot be located” said Jody Rodas, Manager at Woollahra Libraries.
The updated process also helps the library identify lost and missing books during the scanning process, making them available to members for loan again in a shorter timeframe. By completing stocktakes faster it frees up library staff to spend more time serving the community.
“We know that our community expects the best so we value the strong relationships we have developed with our library vendors so that together we can make improvements and provide better service to our customers,” said Jody.
She went on to say, “It was lovely to be recognised by Libero and receive the Innovation award. Woollahra Libraries are always looking at ways to gain efficiencies and it was great to be able to use a Libero enhancement to streamline our stocktake process.”
Enhancing Library Operations with Libero 6
To understand more about how important Libero is to Woollahra libraries, we asked Jody about the Libero LMS role in their success, their move to cloud, and the features that have made things even better for their staff and members.
As a long-time valued customer of Libero, how important is the system to the successful operations of your library and why?
Libero is a crucial part of our library operations. Without Libero, our members would not be able to borrow items, nor use the other technologies we have available in the library. Our WebOPAC also empowers our members to use library services and manage their account when outside the library.
How would you describe the transition to cloud with Libero?
Our transition to Libero Cloud involved a well-managed upgrade resulting in very little disturbance to the regular operations of the library as well as to our members.
What are some Libero features and functionality that are most valuable to your library and why?
The Libero member portal is a favourite feature of our members as it allows them to view their loan history and manage renewals from outside of the library through an attractive, mobile-friendly interface. SIP2 and API functionality are valuable features to the library as they facilitate instant library membership validation on connected technologies, such as printing, room bookings, apps for eBooks and audiobooks and other online services like LinkedIn Learning and Press Reader. OAI-PMH harvesting functionality improves discoverability of library holdings through external partners like Trove.
How would you describe your experience with our support team?
The Libero support team are very helpful. They are prompt to respond to our requests and are diligent in communicating with the development team when necessary. They have gone the extra mile to develop some reports for us which have enhanced our Libero experience, such as the one we use for stocktake.
About Woollahra Libraries
Woollahra Libraries serves a community of 55,000 people along Sydney’s harbour side. The libraries comprise of three facilities located in Paddington, Double Bay, and Watsons Bay. Whilst the libraries extensive collections and diverse programs are a main attraction, the greenery filled study spaces, secret garden with a slide at Double Bay, relaxed and artistic environment at Paddington and holiday-like setting at Watsons Bay show how Woollahra Libraries appeal to different community groups. With over 550,000 visits per year and recording an incredible 10 loans per capita the libraries are well loved by the community. This year Woollahra Library at Double Bay was named on Service95’s list of 7 Incredible Libraries to visit worldwide.
Website: https://www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/Library
Catalogue: https://woollahra.libero.com.au/libero/WebOpac.cls