LibraryWorlds new features: a user perspective

As we have mentioned before on this blog, we love hearing from you! Your feedback is motivating us to develop new features and upgrades at an inspired pace. That is why when Holland Kessinger from the Edmund L. and Nancy K. Dubois Library at the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego wrote to us with some feedback on the new features we had to know more. Holland was nice enough to acquiesce our request and shared some terrific insights on taking her library to the cloud, and how the new features have enhanced the user experience of her patrons.

Q: Can you share one unique fact or feature of your library?

A: The Dubois Library is one of the largest photography libraries in the country. It’s collection is incredibly diverse and includes more than 500 rare books, hundreds of periodicals, auction catalogs, annuals, ephemera, calendars, artist books, and more. It is an amazing resource of materials on photography!

Q: How has taking your library to the cloud impacted your library?

Dubois Library, Museum of Photographic Arts

A: As for taking the library to the cloud, it has worked amazingly well for our library. As a solo staff member of a small library with an even smaller budget, I need to focus time and energy on meeting the information needs of our visitors, not on dealing with hardware and software issues. I’ve had very few instances where the catalog was inaccessible due to servers being down. And, I don’t worry about data lock-in; the few exports I’ve done from the catalog have been very easy and straightforward.

Q: So how have the new features (Google Book Preview, OPAC listings) enhanced the services your library provides?

A: I think it’s pretty obvious that Amazon and Google have had a significant impact on how we search and view information. Users of our online catalog expect to see more than just bibliographic information; they want lots and lots of images, book teases, previews, added content, etc. Google Book Preview meets this expectation and makes the information gathering process a more robust experience. The new “Recently Added Titles” encourages visitors to return again and again to see how the Library collection is constantly expanding. Both of these new features just enhance the whole experience for users of the catalog, and helps us keep pace with what is happening all over the Internet.

Holland's point about aesthetics is well taken. People expect their user interface to look and feel like their favorite sights on the Internet, and offer the same conviniences. At the bottom of the Dubois Library's homepage there are links to our iphone app, integrated social media widgets, and a link to Holland's terrific OPAC page, which is fully customized and inviting to the patrons of her library.

If you would like to have your library success story featured on this blog, please e-mail groggel@libraryworld.com for more information.

Recently Added Titles now available for OPAC users

Greetings from the LibraryWorld news desk!

This week, we wanted to draw your attention to a great feature that was included in the release of LibraryWorld's new look: viewing the 5 most recently added titles. This view is available both from your main login page and in the OPAC user interface. The feature is a default setting for all new libraries and will automatically display on your personal login page, but if you have been with us for a while you will need to activate it for OPAC users. Once activated, the 5 most recent titles will display for your patrons to browse. There is a 'more' link available to bring up additional titles.

The feature can be turned for your OPAC users through the 'Settings' page. From your main login screen, navigate to the settings page from the links on the left side of the page. Once in settings, click 'OPAC' to go to OPAC settings. Select 'Y' from the drop down menu next to "OPAC Show Recent Titles" to turn this feature on for your patrons. While you are there, you should also activate the Google Book Preview feature. See our post on the Google Book Preview feature by clicking here. To save the chances, click the 'submit' button. See the screen show below for visual reference.

This is what your patrons will see when they navigate to the OPAC page.

A summary of our new features

January was a busy month for us at LibraryWorld full of new feature releases, the roll out of a brand new look for LibraryWorld, and a lot of listening to your feedback. Here is a summary of the new features that have been implemented in the past month:


1. LibraryWorld's new look:
Everyone should be seeing these changes as we switched over on Feb 1.  This upgrade features a new user interface, improved navigation and increased social media connections.


2. Google Book Previews:
Google Book Previews provide a quick way to view a summary and often contents of a book. 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.


3. Lost and Found feature:
Perhaps the most eagerly awaited addition, 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.


4. The LibraryWorld Android App:
Now searching your library is easier than ever! The LibraryWorld search App is now 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. Users can now search their home library, view book jackets, and check status of circulation items.

5. Search by record type:
Now users can search and browse their collection-specific record types independent from individual record titles. There are two main ways to access this search feature. Within the catalog app, you can roll over the 'Show' button to access a drop down menu of record types for a quick view of all library records associated with the selected record type. You can perform this same search function through the 'Catalog Advanced Search'.

Upgraded feature announcement: Now you can search by record type

The past few weeks have been exciting at the LibraryWorld office. We are in a period of rapid development and integration of new features, working hard to make sure that LibraryWorld remains the bellwether for other cloud-based library automation services. Many of the changes that we have been developing are inspired by you, the customers who use our services every day, in all 50 states and abroad. Your feedback prompted our Lost/Found feature, and has also expedited the release of our newest feature: filtering search results by record type.

We have a large number of specialty libraries, museums, and academic institutions who catalog a wide variety of media. Now users can search and browse their collection-specific record types independent from individual record titles. There are two main ways to access this search feature. Within the catalog app, you can roll over the 'Show' button to access a drop down menu of record types for a quick view of all library records associated with the selected record type. You can perform this same search function through the 'Catalog Advanced Search'. Enter search terms in the appropriate fields and filter your results by specific record type.

Drop down menu in Catalog app

Search feature in Advanced Search

Please stay tuned to this blog and Facebook for more updates in the coming weeks.

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!

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!

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.

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!

LibraryWorld: Defining the Marketplace

When Norman Kline founded LibraryWorld in 1986, the mission was to build advanced technology tools to automate library collections.  After years of success with application software, Norman saw a significant need for a low cost solution for libraries of all sizes that could be accessed from any location on the Web. LibraryWorld lived up to its mission and truly embodied the spirit of Silicon Valley innovation by moving a traditionally static and very expensive software to the Cloud.

Looking to innovate ahead of the curve, LibraryWorld's move disrupted the marketplace and established cloud based library automation as a new standard. LibraryWorld is now set to launch a third version of its online software which will again serve to revolutionize the industry. Version 3.0 will enhance existing library features and  leverage Web resources like never before.

The History of LibraryWorld

LibraryWorld's mission: To build advanced technology tools to automate library collections.

Beginning in 1986, Apple Computer Product Manager Norman Kline built a library automation software program called 'The Mac Library System' that used Macintosh computers to automate a wide range of libraries in schools, special, academic and public libraries.

In 1990, LibraryWorld launched the first fully integrated cross-platform Macintosh and Windows program for library automation. Growth was spurred by the purchase of the Columbia Library System from the McGraw Hill Companies and the licensing of key technology to many companies in the information market sector. As the market expanded and began to saturate, Norman began to look for ways to revolutionize the library automation marketplace. Norman used his intimate understanding of programming and Silicon Valley entrepreneurship to develop a novel idea: move circulation record storage to remote servers, thus relieving the burden of server downtime on patrons, and allow collection managers to access their circulation information via Internet terminals.

Since then that idea has established LibraryWorld as a leader in Web based 'Cloud' library solutions. There are thousands of libraries currently using LibraryWorld in every state of the United States and in dozens of countries around the world. Every conceivable library type is represented including schools, academic, special, public, health, law, museums, film, architecture and many others. And Norman and his team are not done shaking up the marketplace. In mid-January they will release LibraryWorld Version 3.0, which will include essential upgrades, improved naviation, and unique social media features that provide powerful solutions for automaing collections of any size.