Oudtshoorn, 17 January 2023 – The SITA Library and Information System (SLIMS) crashed on 15 November 2022 in the Western Cape. The failure of the system has a huge impact on service delivery in the Western Cape. Since the crash of the system, the Management of the Western Cape Provincial Library Service together with SITA and Oracle are working non-stop to solve this problem.
Books were piling up behind counters, offices and storerooms, therefor public libraries were informed to go back to the manual system of issuing library material. This is the reason why library cards are kept at libraries.
Staff do not have access to the electronic catalogue and therefore no special request can be done. New applications will be processed, and membership cards will be issued. Patrons can make use of the OverDrive e-book system which allows the public to request and read books online. Get started with your online library by using this link: https://westerncape.overdrive.com/
We would like to ask the public to be patient and apologize for the inconvenience. As soon as the problem is resolved, it will be business as usual.
All fines generated after 15 November 2022 will be waived.
The Provincial Library Service has been given assurance that the SLIMS matter is a top priority for all SITA management to ensure that is resolved with urgency.
For any information regarding the SLIMS issue, you can contact Ms. Deidré Carelse at deidre@oudtmun.gov.za or Tel: 044 203 3928.