Users had to dial a special number and use a telnet client to connect. For each book you wanted to reserve, you had to fill in your library card number. That same tedious system migrated to the Web site. I'm also old enough to remember when libraries weren't on-line at all. When you wanted to search the catalog, you went to the library and searched the card catalog.
Card catalogs are inherently single-user devices.
Two people cannot use the same card drawer at the same time. So even the old telnet system was a big improvement. The new Web site has special areas for younger children and for teens. It features an on-line book club. Despite living on the north side, my favorite auto repair shop in on the east side.