An upgrade to the library catalogue system, and what this means for you.

Access to library services in May

This month, Dunedin Public Libraries will upgrade the system that supports our library catalogue, customer records and other digital library services.

While these changes are made, library customers will be unable to access electronic library resources. This work is scheduled between 8.00pm on Wednesday 15 May and 8.00am on Friday 17 May.

This will affect access to our online resources including the catalogue, eBooks/eAudio, Library App, PressReader and Beamafilm.

Our physical libraries will remain open during our usual business hours, so you can still borrow items in person during this time – including any existing holds. There might be some delays at the checkout desk, so please allow time for this.

Returns due in May

You will not need to return items to the library between Tuesday 14 May and Wednesday 22 May as we have extended all due dates and no longer charge overdue fees.

Why are you making this change?

We are migrating to a new server that offers enhanced modern digital library services and management systems, while maintaining robust security of library and customer information.

This change is being implemented by many public libraries throughout Aotearoa, not just at Dunedin Public Libraries.

What will happen to my personal information?

Your customer record contains the information you provided when you joined the library – your name, date of birth, contact email address, phone number and home address.

Currently, this information is held in data centres located in Christchurch and Auckland.

From 17 May, your personal information will be stored in secure, encrypted data centres based in Melbourne and Adelaide. These meet rigorous international standards for security and reliability, and your information will still be protected under New Zealand privacy laws.

Can I opt out of this change?

As this is a full system migration, all library membership information will be moved to the secure data centres in Australia.

If you do not want your personal data transferred, you may choose to cancel your library membership.

While borrowing is not possible without library membership, there are other in-library services that remain available to you even if you decide to end your membership with us.

Please let us know by Friday 10 May if you wish to close your membership before the migration – you can email us at library@dcc.govt.nz or call us on 03 477 4000.