Dec. 11 Akron-Summit County Public Library Board of Trustees meeting
Covered by Documenters Christina Brunson and Michelle DeShon (see the notes here)
Akron-Summit County Public Library officials are touting a “a better online browsing experience” ahead of a planned catalog system switch later this month.
Library leaders discussed the upcoming changes at the Dec. 11 trustees meeting and shared information via a press release on the library website.
Making materials easier to find is a key reason for the change, according to library officials. There will also be new personalization features and search tools.
ASCPL assets include a wide range of materials, including books, eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, music and the Library of Things. The new search engine includes features like predictive search text, curated lists, personalized recommendations and greater control over the user experience.
Here’s what library patrons can expect with the change.
What is a library catalog?
A library catalog is, at its most basic, a way to search all of a library’s available items. If you’re of a certain age, rows of Dewey Decimal System-organized card catalogs may be familiar. Today, catalogs are online databases, searchable from any location connected to the internet.
Aspen Discovery, the name of ASCPL’s new browsing tool “will feature a powerful search engine that makes it easier than ever to discover physical and digital materials from our world class collection,” according to the library’s website.
What do patrons have to do regarding the change?
- All current checkouts, holds and reading history carry over to the new system.
- Patrons will sign into the new system with their current library card number and an updated PIN.
- The updated PIN will be the last four digits of the patron’s phone number on file.
What will happen to a user’s reading history?
Reading histories enabled in the current catalog are accessible in Aspen Discovery. Patrons should log into their account and click on the “My Borrowing History” link.
This feature allows users to voluntarily track the checked-out items. Users control how they use this function, starting, stopping or deleting any or all entries in your history at any time.
Enabling the “My Borrowing History” feature requires users to agree to allow ASCPL’s automated system to store this data.
What privacy controls are in place for patrons?
The ASCPL’s policy regarding library records and patron privacy is governed by Ohio Revised Code 149.432. The policy outlines several things, including:
- What information users have to provide.
- What user information is collected and stored.
- What information ASCPL may release.
Top five features patrons will enjoy the most
Kaitlin Booth, ASCPL’s collection development coordinator, shared five new features that she said users will like the most:
- Modern and clean interface that is simple to use.
- Quickly see what’s available — online and on shelves.
- Automatic recommendations based on a user’s favorite books and movies.
- Saved searches to see new titles as soon as they are added to the catalog.
- Curated lists created by local librarians.
Other features include:
- Ability to filter search results by format, language, Accelerated Reader Level, Lexile measure (tied to student grade levels), and more.
- Search results displayed in groupings, making it easier to find a preferred format.
- Personalized lists and ability to save favorite searches.
- Ability for users to track borrowing history.
- Finding all the books in a series.
- Ability to explore ratings, reviews, author bios and more
Suggested Reading
What happens with apps like Libby, hoopla or Kanopy?
Users may be asked to log in again with a PIN that is the last 4 digits of the phone number on file.
LIbrary staff recommends calling or visiting a branch location or logging into a patron’s library account before Jan. 25 to update the phone number.
Checkouts, holds, tags and other personalized elements in these apps will not be affected by the transition, according to library officials.
When will the browsing changes happen?
The current catalog becomes unavailable after 5 p.m. Jan. 25. The new one, Aspen Discovery, will be available Jan. 28.