Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Reminder: LibraryWorld switches to New Look on Feb 1

We wanted to share a quick reminder that LibraryWorld will be permanently switching over to its 'New Look' on February 1st. You will see the updated changes when you login on February 2nd. If you haven't tried out the new look yet, click the "Use New Look" link on the upper right hand side of your main login page. To help facilitate this transition, you will be able to Toggle back and forth between the looks for 30 days following the transition.

These updates will not affect your OPAC settings at all. They are meant to improve navigation, add additional features such as Google Book Preview and Lost/Found tracking, and serve as a platform for ongoing updates.

If you have any questions about these changes please call 1-800-852-2777

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Introducing the LibraryWorld Android App

One of the largest benefits a cloud-based library automation system offers library managers and patrons is mobility. By using LibraryWorld's service your access to circulation records is not limited by the four walls of your physical location. You can login at work, at home, and on your iPhone or iPad. Today, we are  excited to announce that we are expanding that mobility by making the LibraryWorld search App available for your Android mobile phone. Like the iPhone and iPad apps, the LibraryWorld app for Android is offered free of charge to you and your patrons. And while it somewhat pains our Apple-pedigreed CEO Norman to say this--we think this app is pretty darn good.

The app was designed to allow library patrons to:
  • search their home library
  • view book jackets
  • check the status of circulation items
  • access a clipboard feature allowing for search tracking

LibraryWorld Android App Screenshot













Happy Searching!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

You asked, we listened: our new "Lost and Found" feature

At LibraryWorld, we take your feedback seriously. Whether it is received via our social media outlets (connect with us on Facebook here), our expert customer service department, or through our sales team we value what you have to say. As a result of your feedback, we are happy to annouce that LibraryWorld's new look will now include a "Lost and Found" feature! Many of you have requested this feature, so we hope that you find it helpful in maintaining accurate circulation records.

Here are some details on the Lost and Found feature:

The lost command changes the status of a holding to 'LOST', creates a log entry for tracking the number of lost holdings over time and (if the holding was checked out) displays an owed transaction window to charge the patron the price of the holding. You are given the options to charge, mark as paid, or forgive.

A new lost holdings report is available on the reports page to display all lost holdings by call number. The circulation activity report has also been upgraded to show the number of lost and found holdings over time.

You can mark a holding as LOST when viewing the holding in the catalog or patron modules.

If you check in a holding that had been lost the holding's status will be changed from LOST to IN, the amount charged to the patron for the loss will be removed, and if overdue a fine window will appear allowing the option to charge a late fee. A 'Found' circulation log record will be created to track the number of found holdings over time.

Additionally, the status report now includes column for Lost and Found and the circulation activity report allows you to track changes over time.

As always, please send us your comments and feedback!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

LibraryWorld's Google Book Preview feature

As most of you know by now, last week we officially announced LibraryWorld's new look. While we are permanently making the switch effective February 1st, we wanted to give you a little time to interact with the new look and try out some of the new features. If you still haven't checked it out, you can view the new look here.

The first element that you will notice is the visual layout of your library's main page. Sometimes, keeping things simple takes a lot of time to get right. We made an extra effort to increase the efficiency with which you can navigate between the key applications that LibraryWorld offers. Still new to LibraryWorld and feel like you need more information about the applications we offer? We have included a 'more info' link to most application pages next to the page title that takes you to a detailed description of how each application can function for you and your patrons.

Our Google Preview function within your OPAC is something we are truly excited about, as it provides added value to your patrons’ search experience and highlights the strength of the Internet as a tool for your library patrons. Google Book Previews provide a quick way to view a summary and often contents of a book. We have provided a link to the service if your catalog record contains an ISBN number. You can turn this feature on for the catalog application in the Settings General page. You can also turn this feature on for OPAC users in the Settings OPAC page.

Here is an example of what your patrons will see when you have this feature enabled:

OPAC screenshot of MARC21 record
When patrons click on the 'Google Preview' link, they will be directed here

Have fun getting familiar with these new changes to LibraryWorld, and know that there are many more exciting announcements to come. In fact, we are working hard to put the finishing touches on a new feature that many of you have asked for. Keep your eyes peeled to this blog and our Facebook page for that announcement sometime next week.

Friday, January 6, 2012

A New Look for LibraryWorld

We are excited to announce the release of LibraryWorld Version 3.0. This upgrade features a new user interface, improved navigation and increased social media connections. Version 3.0 will also provide a platform for many new features including lost book tracking and Google Book previews. We will be permanently switching to our New Look on February 1st, but you can click on the link here to try out the new look before February 1st. If you are a LibraryWorld subscriber you can also switch back and forth using the link at the top right side of your account page called 'Use New Look' and 'Use Classic Look'.

We believe the new look will make the service easier and faster to use and will allow us to add more features in the future. The OPAC user interface will stay the same, so there is no need to 're-train' patrons searching your collection. All of the basic features are the same so there should be no disruption to your work flow.

Be sure to connect with us via Facebook to receive additional announcements and to share your thoughts on the new look!