The Hawaii State Public Library System has been continuing its upgrade to its Smart Access Management (SAM) Internet reservation system in three Big Island libraries this week. The computers at the following Big Island libraries: Kailua-Kona, Laupahoehoe and North Kohala libraries have been unavailable for reservations.
The Hawaii State Public Library System has been continuing its upgrade to its Smart Access Management (SAM) Internet reservation system in three Big Island libraries this week. The computers at the following Big Island libraries: Kailua-Kona, Laupahoehoe and North Kohala libraries have been unavailable for reservations.
Work was estimated to be completed by the end of the week. Walk-up sessions may or may not be available, depending on the progress of the upgrade.
SAM is a computer-based system that allows users to reserve and register for Internet sessions in HSPLS’s 50 public libraries; it helps HSPLS maximize the use of public Internet computers and ensures equal access to patrons.
The upgrade is necessary to stabilize the SAM Internet reservation system and make it fully compatible with the Windows 7 operating systems in the recently installed public computers.
To lessen the impact on library patrons, the upgrade is being scheduled during a traditionally slow period of the year and as much as possible on days when the libraries are scheduled to be closed, said a state spokesman.
The statewide upgrade implementation will take several weeks to complete and will occur island by island, branch by branch.
During the implementation on each island, there will be a brief period when reservations will be suspended. Progress of the implementation will be posted on HSPLS’s website, www.librarieshawaii.org.
In addition, signs will be posted on library computers alerting patrons of the upcoming upgrade about a week in advance. In 2012, HSPLS recorded an astounding 600,855 Internet sessions in its 50 libraries statewide. The SAM Internet reservation system enhances customer privacy and expedites the reservation and registration process. The SAM Internet reservation system is funded by the federal Library Services and Technology Act, which is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The recently installed public computers were provided by Hawaii’s Access for All Grant through the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and leveraged with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Opportunity Online funds. Matching funds were provided by the Friends of the Library of Hawaii, the Omidyar Ohana Fund through the Hawaii Community Foundation, and Alexander & Baldwin Foundation. For more information, contact your local library or visit the HSPLS website at www.librarieshawaii.org.