New Catalog System

In April, the Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS) is changing to a new catalog system. This change will affect all library patrons in downstate Illinois, including those at the Mahomet Public Library.

In July, 2011, four Illinois library systems merged to form the Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS). Since then, each of the former systems has continued to maintain its own catalog of shared materials. In April, 2013, the four catalogs will be merged into one.

This new catalog represents the largest automation consortium in the country, with 427 libraries and 10 million books, DVDs, CDs, and magazines. Mahomet Library card holders will be able to:

• Request items from these libraries to be delivered to them at the Mahomet Library
• Visit these libraries and checkout materials (Click here for a complete list of participating libraries)

What Patrons MUST Know

Holds and Item Requests

March 15: After this date, you will not be able to place new requests for items in the old system.

March 22: After this date, all existing holds that have not been filled will be deleted from the system.

April 9: The projected date our new system will be available. Once it is up and running, you can request items.

We recommend that you print your current list of holds no later than March 22 and use it as reference when you re-request those items. Our staff will be happy to assist you with this.

Offline April 1-8

Between April 1 and April 8, we will be working offline. This directly affects patrons in the following ways:

• Come in Person and BRING YOUR CARD: We will not be able to renew items over the phone; you must visit the library in person to checkout/renew items and you need to have your actual library card with you to do so. We will not be able to look you up in the system.
• Requesting Materials: There will be no way to request materials or place holds on items from any library in the system.
• Patron Computers: You will not be able to log onto our computers using your library card. Instead, you can ask for a guest pass at the circulation desk.
• Overdue Notices: We will not be able to send you overdue, pre-overdue, or hold notices.
• Self Checkout: Self Checkout will be unavailable.

The old catalog will be available during this time, but only for viewing. Information, including patron account information and whether items are checked out or on the shelves, will not be updated after March 24.

Library Closed April 9

The library will be closed April 9 to allow staff to make the transition to the new system. The system will be available to patrons online that day (from our website) for searching and placing holds.

Other Information

Champaign and Urbana Libraries

The Champaign Public Library and Urbana Free Library will continue to use a separate catalog system and Mahomet patrons still must register at one of those libraries in order to use their system.

Frequently Asked Questions

• General FAQ

• FAQ about what patrons can and cannot do during the transition period

• FAQ about after the system is up and running

For more details about the new catalog system, see this brochure or call us or stop by the library and our library staff will be happy to help.

Thank you for your patience!

We know that this transition time will present some challenges and we apologize in advance for any inconviences you may face. We know, however, that once the new system is up and running, we will all enjoy the benefits. Thank you for your patience at this time!