Useful to know
In 2005 a joint library system, Aalto libraries - Central Finland library network
was established in Central Finland. The data system is supplied by Ab AXIELL kirjastot Oy.
The joint system covers:
- Jyväskylä city library
- Jämsä public library
- Kuhmoinen public library
- Luhanka public library
- Muurame public library
- Petäjävesi public library
- Toivakka public library
- Uurainen public library
- Äänekoski public library
What does the joint system mean?
The joint system is a database shared by various libraries via which it is possible to search for material and make reservations. The customer register is also shared. Thanks to the new system the service provided by participating libraries will improve as a more extensive collection of material can be made available. Search procedures, too, will become uniform as all libraries will use the same PallasPro library system.
Thanks to the shared database purchasing costs can also be kept in check. Joint systems have been introduced recently in various parts of Finland.
Benefits of the joint system:
- One joint library card is valid in all Aalto libraries.
- Customers can access a collection totalling 1 200 000 items.
- The same search program is in use in all libraries - customers will not need to learn to use various different programs.
- Conducting a search at a library follows the same pattern as via the library's web site on the internet.
- Fuzzy search (IntroEasy) was introduced on 11.8.2004. Fuzzy search attempts to correct errors in spelling and word order made by the customer. Thus the material sought after can be found, even though the search string may not have been fully correct.
Library card
The Aalto libraries have a joint library card. The same card can be used in all the libraries belonging to the system. Customers will receive the new cards on visiting their library after the library in question has joined the system. Customers of different libraries are distinguished on the card by a code indicating the municipality. Customers are requested always to give information relating to their library card - for example,
a change of address or notice of a lost card - to the library from which they obtained the card.
Search, reservation and loan functions
In the joint system a search can be directed at either the collection of a single library or simultaneously at
the collections of all the libraries. Reservations, too, can be made for material held by any of the libraries
involved in the joint system. A reserved book generally has to be picked up personally from the library to which
the reservation was sent. For making reservations, renewing loans and accessing customer data a password associated
with your library card is required. The password can be obtained by visiting your library in person. Net transactions
are complemented by an additional electronic service called IntroActive. Further information on the service as well
as user rights can be obtained from any library. Instructions on using the database can be found from
the Aalto libraries' web pages.
Transport between libraries and distance loans
Detailed information on transport can be obtained from any library.
Libraries follow general guidelines regarding distance services, which means that material
forming part of the library's own collection is not ordered from another library. Material
is always returned to the library from which it was borrowed.
Rules of use and fees
Libraries' rules of use and charges will remain library-specific in the new joint system, with differences, too, in the length of the loan period. Up-to-date information on charges and rules can be found from brochures or web pages published by the library concerned. The limit on customer fees at all libraries belonging to the joint system is 8 euro. If this figure is exceeded, borrowing rights will be suspended and restored only when all fees incurred have been paid. The suspension of borrowing rights will apply to all libraries covered by the system. Fees must be paid to the library where they were incurred. At the present time libraries cannot accept fees payable to other libraries.
Library staff will be most happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the joint system.
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