FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Center Library patrons may notice some changes to how they check out items in the coming weeks.
From Aug. 30-31, the library will be closed so library staff can train with the new General Library Information System.
The library will be partially open Aug. 31, but no books or other items can be checked out that day. Patrons can still come in to read, use the computers or return books, according to Al Edwards, Center Library reference librarian. The library will be open for normal business Sept. 1.
The GLIS is a new, Army-wide program geared toward making it easier for library customers to check out books, DVDs, CDs and other items from their local libraries, Edwards said.
"We're finally going to have our catalog available online," Edwards said. "It's going to make the process a lot easier for everyone."
GLIS is being implemented across the Army, which means those who register at one library are automatically placed in the system for libraries on all Army installations, Edwards said. This means patrons will no longer have to fill out information cards at each installation once they've filled out the first one.
"One of the biggest changes is that people will be able to put holds on things they're interested in checking out without having to come into the library," Edwards said. "They'll be able to see if something is checked out or available and place a hold on it. When it becomes available, we'll call them to let them know."
Edwards said he isn't sure when the changes to the library site will go into effect, but the library will send out a notice once the new services are available.
Ruth Villaverde, library technician, said the new system will be a huge benefit to both library staff and customers.
"We're very excited about this because it's going to provide so many new services to our patrons that we haven't had before," she said.
Villaverde added that those already in the library system here will be transferred to the Army-wide system, so if they move to another installation they'll already be in that post's library system and won't have to get a new card.
"There shouldn't be any need for additional information," she said. "If anything has to be added, we'll just ask when (patrons) come in to check something out."
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