Notification
System for Williamsburg Regional Library
to Change with New Year
Beginning January 2, 2003, Williamsburg Regional Library patrons will
receive calls from a new automated phone system alerting them to library
items on hold and overdue materials. Patrons will also be able to call
into the system for detailed information on their accounts.
Using a combination of recorded messages and text-to-speech technology,
the system presents the name of the patron being contacted, the number of
reserve items available, how long the items will be held, and at which
library the items may be picked up. If materials are overdue, the system
states the number of overdue items. Patrons can then call the automated
system, enter their library card number and hear a list of the specific
titles that are overdue or being held. Patrons may also find out how
many items they have checked out, list or cancel pending holds, hear what
fines they owe, list titles of items overdue and renew items. They may
also record their own name for use in future calls.
"The library began using automated notification in 1994," said Judy Fuss,
the library's systems administrator. "Having this technology available
is a considerable cost savings over mailed notices." The library averages 350 calls per day for items on hold or overdue material. "The
new system provides patrons with more information about their accounts
while still maintaining individual privacy," she said.
The calling system is the latest piece in the library computer upgrade
begun in the past year. The library premiered a web-based graphical catalog in September. "Besides the personal service for which WRL is well
known, we want to give our patrons different options for accessing information and our services," said Genevieve Owens, library assistant
director." Patrons have been able to search our collection and request
titles using our new online catalog 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
They will now be able to renew books and check other information about
their library accounts online or by phone even when the library is closed." The library's notification system will be available at
757-259-7794. The library's online catalog is at http://catalog.wrl.org
