NEWS RELEASE
Date: October 10, 2011
For Release: Immediately
Media Contact: LaWanda Roudebush, Director, Davenport Public Library, 563-326-7837. 

RiverShare Libraries Prepare for Rollout of New Catalog, Computer System

In less than one month, 20 Quad City-area public and academic libraries will introduce a new catalog and shared computer system. The conversion to RiverShare Libraries ties together libraries from Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois into a localized resource-sharing consortium. 

The introduction of the new RiverShare online catalog in early November will offer additional convenience, stronger searching options, and more options for library patrons of the RiverShare group. Powered by Polaris Library Systems, the catalog offers patrons easier, simpler ways to: 

*	Narrow a search to a specific type of format, such as DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, etc. 
*	Look for items that are part of a series or search by category (mysteries, science-fiction, etc.) 
*	Be notified by text or email when items are available. 
*	Choose to turn on a personal reading history. 
*	Print a list of items you're searching for (where printing is available.) 
*	Keep a 'wish list' of items to put on reserve next. 

As part of the conversion to the new computer system, the 20 libraries will be in off-line processing mode from Thursday, October 27 to Tuesday, November 1, 2011. For the short period while data is transferred to the new catalog, patrons will not be able to place holds, check their account online or pay fines. The libraries involved have already adjusted due dates so that no materials are due during this brief conversion period. 

A few area libraries will close for one day to conduct staff training days on the new system. Patrons should check with their local library for details. 

By circulating items locally, the RiverShare catalog is intended to reduce wait times and streamline delivery. The RiverShare catalog will contain more than 2.1 million items, and serve more than 200,000 patrons. The group is based on a 40-year tradition of cross-border library cooperation in the Quad Cities. Membership consists of 20 academic and public libraries, 12 in Iowa and 8 in Illinois. 

RiverShare Libraries have established a reciprocal borrowing type for area libraries who use the PrairieCat catalog. PrairieCat patrons will be able to check out and return items in person at RiverShare Libraries. Both catalogs allow online holds for their patrons only. 

RiverShare Libraries members include: 

*	Bettendorf Public Library, Bettendorf, Iowa 
*	Clinton Public Library, Clinton Iowa
*	Clinton Community College, Clinton, Iowa 
*	Ashford University, Clinton, Iowa 
*	Robert R. Jones Library, Coal Valley, IL
*	Davenport Public Library, Davenport, Iowa 
*	Kaplan University, Davenport, Iowa 
*	Scott Community College, Davenport, Iowa
*	St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa
*	East Moline Public Library, East Moline, IL 
*	Scott County Library System, Eldridge, Iowa
*	LeClaire Community Library, LeClaire, Iowa
*	Moline Public Library, Moline, Illinois
*	Muscatine Community College, Muscatine, Iowa
*	Musser Public Library, Muscatine, Iowa
*	River Valley District Library, Port Byron, IL
*	Henry C. Adams Memorial Library, Prophetstown, Illinois
*	Rock Island Public Library, Rock Island, IL
*	Silvis Public Library, Silvis, IL 
*	Sherrard Public Library District, Sherrard, IL 


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