1 research outputs found
Converting a Small Online Catalog - Improving Service and Satisfaction
Converting the online catalog to a cloud-based system. The library’s software-based catalog experienced technical issues whenever the hospital’s Information Technology department performed updates, and remote access to the system was not available. The authors describe the process of successfully converting the online catalog to a cloud-based system with remote access. It was critical for the library staff to preserve data from the former system. The initial step was to download the statistics from the former system to preserve them for future use. While the library staff weeded both the collection and the online records, they checked to ensure the existing catalog reflected the actual holdings. Patron records older than five years were deleted. Prior to importing the records, the library staff determined which fields, branch locations, and spine label abbreviations to use. Although the new system automatically provided barcodes during cataloging, the library staff chose to keep the existing barcodes from the former system. Circulation polices were established for each book and AV category. The Library staff exported the records to the new vendor and notified the previous vendor of the libraries’ decision to select a new product. Once the catalog and patron records were imported, use of the software-based system was discontinued. Emails were sent to patrons asking them to return circulating books. Outstanding materials were signed out using the cloud-based system. Some of the users commented that the cloud-based interface was easier to use. After the staff shifted to telework due to Covid-19, the catalog remained available remotely. The catalog’s conversion eliminated many of the technical problems encountered with the previous system. Users preferred the catalog’s simplified interface. Remote catalog access has allowed the library staff to continue circulation and catalog services while teleworking during COVID-19