Updated: July 6, 2018 at 10:55 a.m.

Students will search for books using an updated library database later this month.

GW Libraries announced in an email to students last week that it will scrap the “classic catalog” July 19 and transition to a new management and search system for all libraries in the Washington Research Library Consortium, including Gelman and Eckles libraries. The new interface will include clickable subject headings and easier access to free journals and books, according to the email.

“Our current library system, now 21 years old, was developed in an era when libraries’ collections consisted, almost solely, of physical items,” the email states. “While the ‘classic catalog’ will no longer be available, this new system will allow us to better manage our print and digital collections, improve efficiency and expand our assessment capabilities.”

GW Libraries is expecting some service disruptions this month leading up to the switch, according to the email.

Between July 2 and 19, students won’t be able to request materials that need to be delivered from other libraries in the WRLC, but they can travel to a library outside campus and check out a book.

Between July 14 and 19, students can check out materials but won’t see the transaction on their online library account. Students also won’t be able to renew materials until the new system is ready, but no fines will be issued, the email states.

This post was updated to reflect the following correction:
An earlier version of this article stated that the new management and search system would affect all five libraries in the Washington Research Library Consortium. There are at least 15 libraries in the WRLC. We regret this error.