Frequently asked questions about the new Library system—the Saskatchewan Information and Library Services Consortium

What does the new system mean for you?

• Fines on CDs and books have decreased from 50 cents per day to 30 cents per day.  Fines and other policies will be consistent across the entire province.
  
  
• Your holds will be filled faster since more copies of a title are now available as there will be over 300 libraries across the province pooling resources.  
  
  
• Eventually, you will be able to easily borrow and return materials from any Saskatchewan Library location by visiting any branch, or by requesting the item through our online catalogue.

How have my online services changed?

• The new online catalogue is easier to read and more attractive, incorporating elements of popular websites like Amazon.ca
  
  
• You’ll be able to see the front covers of materials in the online catalogue.
  
  
• You’ll be able to read and contribute ratings and reviews of Library materials

What about my holds?  Why can’t I see where I am in the queue for a particular item?

You can no longer see where you are in the queue, because holds are no longer filled in purely numeric order, which is a huge adjustment for everyone. What this means is that holds are no longer looked at as a numbered list with patrons moving up a spot every time the requested item is returned. Now, your location is taken into account as well so that an item returned to your home branch will go to you next rather than being shipped across the city (or province) to fill the hold for someone else. 

This will ensure that all Library patrons, across the province, receive their holds in a more timely fashion. It’s important to be aware that ownership trumps all other factors so when Regina patrons request Regina items, they will be given top priority. 

What do I do with my holds if I’m going away?

You do not have to cancel your holds when you go away. You can simply “freeze” holds in your account by checking the items you don’t want to receive just yet, and clicking the “Save Changes” button.   

Since your holds can arrive at any time, you can also use the freeze option to avoid several items coming in at the same time. Please note that the freeze function will not work if the item is already being processed or is in transit.

You can “unfreeze” items when you’re ready for your items to arrive by unselecting the title’s checkbox.  

You can also use the “My Cart” feature to track items you would like to place holds on at a later date.

Why is there a limit on the number of holds you can have?

Previously RPL had unlimited holds. As you know, we have joined a consortium of 11 Library regions in the province, some of whom have never allowed holds; others had very low holds thresholds. The idea that they would allow patrons to place requests on materials for loan to patrons outside of their region, gave some of these new partners significant concern. The SILS Policy Committee discussed this issue at great length and it was after a lengthy negotiation that we were able to get the number up to 50. 

We have made a commitment to assess the impact of holds once all regional libraries have joined the new system, and hope that we will find that there is evidence within the consortium’s use that supports a reconsideration and the opportunity to raise the number of available holds.

Why do I have to login using my name/card number/PIN?

At this time our login requires your name, card number and PIN for additional security.

I am having trouble logging in, or am being asked to log in repeatedly. Am I doing something wrong?  

You should be able to login 24 hours a day using your card number, PIN, and full name (please note, if your name has changed you will need the name you gave when you got your current Library card). If you are using an old bookmarked page from before February 2, try logging in by first visiting our website at www.reginalibrary.ca and clicking on the "Your Library Account" button to log into the new site.

If you are still experiencing difficulties, please try updating your browser.

What about the shipping costs to send Library items around the province?  What is this costing taxpayers?

Libraries in Saskatchewan have always shared resources. The Saskatchewan government provides a grant to RPL to support resource sharing among libraries and to ensure equitable access to basic library services for all residents.

The new catalogue is set-up to give Regina borrowers priority access to the materials that their tax dollars provide. When it comes to transporting materials, an existing delivery system is being used across the province.

What is the SILS Consortium?

All 10 public Library systems in the province, along with Provincial Library, are now members of the Saskatchewan Information and Library Services Consortium (SILS Consortium). The SILS Consortium enables each public Library system to collaborate on joint projects and purchases for the benefit of all Library patrons across the province.

How long will it take before all public libraries are using the new system?

By the end of 2010, the SILS consortium will include 10 Library systems covering the entire province.  It will also include Provincial Library, a government agency within the Ministry of Education.  As of February 2010, four systems that encompass over 50 per cent of the province’s population have gone live – Saskatoon Public Library, Palliser Regional Library based in Moose Jaw, Southeast Regional Library based in Weyburn, and Regina Public Library.

How has this initiative been funded?

In October of 2008, the Provincial Government committed $5.2 million over four years to the Single Integrated Library System (SILS). This included $2 million in one-time funding to the SILS Consortium to purchase software, and $1.3 million to assist Library boards with purchasing local computers. The remaining $1.9 million will be used to support the implementation of SILS throughout the province. Regional and Municipal Library Boards are also major contributors to the SILS Project.

For more information about the “One Province, One Library Card” initiative, click here.