Barrie Public Library opens doors to new Painswick Branch and to PeopleWhere for staff scheduling

The City of Barrie is growing fast with more than 140,000 residents.   Up to now the City has relied on the large downtown Library to meet the needs of its residents.  But with large housing developments in the southeast and southwest, the City has been under pressure to respond to the Community with its first Library branch.  Like many other libraries, staffing another location and it’s service desks is a challenge.  So, the Library having worked with Convergent on their requirements and expectations chose PeopleWhere to help.  The new system will provide all staff with the ability to check online their schedules, submit online leave requests, and check on available vacation, sick and lieu time.  For managers, the system will reduce the time burden involved in physically generating schedules, and help ensure adequate coverage to all service desks regardless of location.  It will streamline leave approvals, centralize all scheduling data for flexible reporting and provide alerts when critical positions are not filled.

Starting in 1854 as a reading room sponsored by the Mechanics’ Institute for a population of 500, the Barrie Public Library now has more than 95,000 registered users.  Located just north of Toronto, Barrie has many tourist attractions for all seasons.  In close proximity to several ski resorts, and snowmobile trails, its known as a winter destination.  While the many beautiful waterfront parks and beaches around Kempenfelt Bay and Lake Simcoe make it a popular summer attraction, too.  The Library organizes and hosts an annual Dragon Boat Festival to foster community spirit and to raise funds for local charities.