TEN libraries across East Lothian will temporarily shut their doors to allow for staff training on a new management system.

The Spydus Library Management System is already used by more than 1,500 libraries across the globe, including the Scottish Consortium of Public Libraries.

The system is designed to help libraries manage all resources, including digital content and events from a single database.

Councillor Colin McGinn, cabinet spokesperson for community wellbeing, felt the new system would make a difference.

He said: “This new system is a crucial tool for our Library Service to purchase, maintain and lend library stock and communicate with our borrowers.

“The new system will allow us to integrate our eBooks and eAudiobooks within our library catalogue allowing for a more seamless customer journey and also provides greater opportunities to our staff to utilise the stock held within their local library.

“The system we are moving to is also used by many library authorities across Scotland and this gives us greater opportunities to work together in future.”

Following installation of the new system, some branches will temporarily close to allow for staff training.

  • Tuesday, November 15 – Dunbar Library.
  • Wednesday, November 16 – Haddington Library and Ormiston Library.
  • Friday, November 18 – Musselburgh Library and Wallyford Library.
  • Tuesday, November 22 – Tranent Library and Port Seton Library.
  • Wednesday, November 23 – North Berwick Library, Longniddry Library and Prestonpans Library.

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council said: “There will be a short period of time during the first couple of weeks in December where access to books from other local libraries and requests might take slightly longer than usual during transition from one system to the other.

“During this time although the online catalogue will be temporarily unavailable the libraries will be open to provide advice, new borrowers can join and regular activities will continue as normal.”