Skip to content

Joint Automation Information

MVLS/SCPL Statement on the separate library catalogs

  • Starting in late 2024, the Schenectady County Public Library has its own, separate library catalog and library user database.
  • The public libraries in Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Saratoga, Schoharie, Warren and Washington counties have a shared library catalog and library user database, called the Joint Automation (JA) catalog or the Mohawk Valley and Southern Adirondack Library Catalog.
  • There is no connection between these two, separate (Schenectady & JA), library computer systems.
  • Library users, in most cases, can have accounts and do business in both library catalogs/locations.
  • Library business done in one is not reflected in the other.  This is similar to having bank accounts at separate banks.  Bank A cannot tell you what your balance is in bank B, and an address change made in one will not be reflected in the other.
  • If a Schenectady library user needs to update their Schenectady library card, it is likely that they also need to update their JA account, if they want to continue to have an account in the joint Mohawk Valley & Southern Adirondack library catalog.

MVLS/SCPL Statement on separate Overdrive (Libby) platforms

  • Starting in January 2025, the Schenectady County Public Library has its own, separate Overdrive (Libby) e-resources platform.
  • The public libraries in Fulton, Montgomery, and Schoharie counties share an Overdrive (Libby) platform, called the MVLS Overdrive.
  • There is no connection between these two, separate (Schenectady & MVLS) Overdrive (Libby) platforms.
  • The separate Overdrive (Libby) user accounts are based on the library user accounts in the two, separate library catalogs.
  • In most cases, library users can have Overdrive (Libby) accounts in both platforms.  Use and changes in one will not be reflected in the other.
  • Users must have a valid and up-to-date Schenectady library card to use the Schenectady Libby account; and must have a valid and up-to-date MVLS library card to use the MVLS Libby account.