A partnership between the South Australian state and local governments has seen global library software provider SirisiDynix selected for the SA's One library Project.

 

Under the project, a single card will give users access to any one of the 4 million items from any of the state’s 135 public libraries

 

LGA President Mayor Kym McHugh said the initiative will provide benefits to library users, simplify networking between libraries and make substantial savings.

 

"Councils will save more than $3m on the costs of replacing their individual systems and their annual operating costs will also be significantly lower."

 

Savings will be reinvested in other public library initiatives as agreed in a recently negotiated 10-year funding agreement between the LGA and Arts Minister John Hill.

 

"I want to place on record my appreciation for the support of Minister Hill, the Libraries Board of SA, the staff of Public Library Services and the many Council staff and contractors who supported the project," Mayor McHugh said.

 

The One Library Management System was originally estimated to cost $7.2m but will now cost $4.6m - a saving of $2.6m - including project management and implementation.

 

Final contract negotiations with SirsiDynix are expected to be completed within weeks.