ILS Migration

The Integrated Library System is the central nervous system of the Library. Everything from online services like our catalog and mobile apps to holds, check-ins, and check-outs, are handled through the software. It is used to order, receive, and catalog all books, as well as track our library cards (i.e., notifying patrons when it’s time to renew their cards) and provides access to resources such as Overdrive and our databases. 

While much of the ILS operates behind the scenes, it is a vital part of the way we serve our patrons.

The last time PPLD updated the ILS was in 2001. As technology has changed and our services have grown, it was time to update the system to provide better experiences for PPLD staff, visitors, and patrons. 

• No more scrolling through the catalog. Instead, when you search for a title, all book formats will be in one place – physical book, eBook or Audiobook. Videos, soundtracks, and translations into other languages will be listed separately.
• The catalog will provide clickable bios for authors. If you want to know more about your favorite author, it’s just a click away.
• Patrons can save searches for authors, topics, or books in their accounts.
• The new system provides the option to save your reading history.
• Searches in the catalog are smarter. If you start to type an author’s name into the search bar, the system will provide suggestions. If the words are misspelled, you’ll be asked to clarify.
• Titles in the catalog will provide reading levels and make suggestions for other materials at the reading or grade level you request.

No. Patron information will automatically migrate to the new system. You won’t need a new library card number or PIN.

No. The way you log into your account will be the same.

No. That process will remain the same.

• If you want, you can now save your reading history
• The online catalog will be easier to search, and results will be more relevant.
• Patrons will be able to quickly identify the format they wish to borrow. Most formats of a title will be grouped in a single location. Videos, soundtracks, and translations are the exception; those are listed separately in the catalog.

When you start using the new system on Dec. 12 and place a hold, you will need to verify your preferred pick-up location in your account.

• Patrons will not be able to place holds during the migration period in late November - early December (from 6 p.m. on Nov. 29 through Dec. 11).
• Due dates for items due between Nov. 30 - Dec. 11 will be extended past Dec. 12 so patrons can return materials when the new system is live. Any items returned to the library during this time will not be checked in until after Dec. 12.
• The catalog will not be available at this time.
• The mobile app for PPLD will not be available.
• Patrons will still be able to check out books, use Libby/Overdrive online services, reserve rooms, and reserve and use computers, makerspaces and studios. They will be able to attend programs. Culture Pass checkouts and online research resources will also be available. 

Because we must pause purchasing materials to change the ILS, we will not be able to order, receive, or add copies of physical books, audiobooks, and video titles that are published in the last three months of 2025 until January 2026.  Once ordered, the shipping and processing time for orders adds several weeks to the date they can begin circulating to patrons.

Temporary catalog records will be added for popular titles so patrons can place holds before we order the titles in January.

We WILL be able to purchase eBooks and Audiobooks for Libby through early December because the nature of the ordering process is different, with instant delivery.

Patron requests submitted through Request It are automatically divided into purchase requests (titles published within the last two years) or interlibrary loans (publication dates exceeding one year). 

• Effective October 1, patron purchase requests will no longer be accepted due to a pause in purchasing during the ILS migration. Patron purchase requests will resume January 2026.
• Interlibrary loan requests for eligible titles will continue to be processed, and patrons can still borrow these items during the ILS migration, as ILL operates on a separate system.

The interface that staff use to create new library card accounts, check in and out items, send holds to pickup libraries for patrons, add items to the collection, and keep track of where everything is, will be more intuitive and easier to learn.