OLDHAM LIBRARY users are now able to access 2.8 million books from across the region thanks to a new online catalogue system.
The borough has teamed up with six other Greater Manchester councils’ libraries networks to operate the shared system to give access to the books and other items.
Manchester, Bolton, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Trafford and Oldham councils are all included in the shared Library Management System (LMS) scheme, as are Blackburn with Darwen Council, with Tameside joining later this year.
Oldham Council Libraries cardholders will be able to search for books and other items belonging to other participating library services.
The book can be borrowed from any library but must be returned to the same place.
Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives, said: “The new system enables our customers to enjoy seamless access to books held in libraries right across Greater Manchester.
“The region’s library services have a strong record of collaboration and partnership work to bring benefits to customers and reduce costs.
“This new project to enhance access to collections is the next step in our long-held vision for libraries across the region to work together and learn from each other’s experience.”
Arts Council England has provided £30,000 of funding to support the project.
Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England said, ‘This initiative is an excellent example of how libraries can work together to provide better and more efficient services for their users.
“Greater Manchester libraries should be congratulated on this new development and I’m pleased that the Arts Council has been able to help fund it.”
The Library Management System is based on a framework contract initiated by Rochdale Council in 2012.
For more information about how the service works, go online.
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