Jim Middleton, a computer technician for the Town of Southwick, upgrades a group of computers that are used at the Southwick Public Library for interfacing with the new Central Western Mass Automated Resource Sharing ( C/W MARS ) conversion. The conversion is part of a network of computers what will now connect the Southwick Library with computers in libraries located in western and central Mass. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – Patrons of the Southwick Public Library will soon have quick access to 120 libraries in western and central Massachusetts.
Library Director Anne Murray said the library is in the process of transitioning to the C/W MARS system, which is the Central and Western Massachusetts Automated Reserve Sharing network.
The library has been an online part of C/W MARS for 20 years but had limited access to the 120 libraries in the network. Last year, C/W MARS decided to terminate the online option.
“We had to decide to be a full part of it, or no part,” said Murray, “and it’s something our patrons wanted.”
Joining C/W MARS fully will give Southwick Library members the ability to view and request books and other resources from all the libraries in the network.
“It will make more things possible,” she said. “It will open all kinds of possibilities.”
One new feature patrons can enjoy once the Southwick library is fully integrated in the system is the ability to connect from home, and the opportunity to borrow e-books.
Murray said they can better serve the town, and its students, with C/W MARS.
“Part of our mission is to support the schools and students, all the way through college,” said Murray. “At the library, we have to move forward to give people what they want.”
Murray said the Southwick Public Library has a lot of support from the community and the Library Board of Trustees and the Friends of the Southwick Library.
The transition includes inputting Southwick Library’s catalogue into the network, then training staff to use the system so they can show library patrons what C/W MARS offers.
“We think it will take about four to six weeks to get it all done,” said Murray. “We are hoping its done by the time kids are back to school.”
