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'.

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!

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!