content management, the catalog, and the library
DESCRIPTION
Content Management, the Catalog, and the Library. or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love our OPAC. Pierce County Library System. Founded in 1945 Population of service area: 509,000 Registered borrowers: 198,000 service area: 1600 square miles Library materials: 1,325,860. Background. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Content Management, the Catalog, and the Library
or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love our OPAC
Pierce County Library System
Founded in 1945 Population of service area: 509,000 Registered borrowers: 198,000 service area: 1600 square miles Library materials: 1,325,860
Background
PCLS began using Polaris in May of 2004 Implementation without adequate training
led to frustration for both staff and patrons
The Response
Polaris Search Screen Committee formed 58 patrons interviewed Patron focus group formed Most frustration found to involve search
functions in the catalog Recognition that customization of current catalog
could remedy some of the frustration
The First Step
The original Quick Search
The First Step
Quick Search was confusing to patrons Patrons wanted a simply-worded set of
search options with only the most common options presented
The First Step
The new, improved Quick Search
The First Step
Simple, clean and to the point Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive
Content Management and the Library’s Public Website
PCLS undertook a renewed effort to market itself to the community
Bids were requested for the development of a new site and a content management system to help manage it
Sitecrafting was chosen to provide us with this package
Content Management and the Library’s Public Website
The new Content Management System (CMS) is module based. Some of these modules are:
Custom Blog module RSS feeds module Events Calendar module Rotating Home Page Ad module News and News Release module File Library module Book Lists module Branches module
Content Management and the Library’s Public Website
The CMS is based on Visual Basic.NET with a SQL backend
The CMS puts the ability and responsibility for producing and managing content into the hands of the content producers
What does the new Web site look like?
Online Event Calendar
Find events at PCLS, by event type and by branch
Branches
Hours Phone Numbers Driving Directions
Reading and Books
Over 90 Booklists Book Selection Tools Book Discussions Online Book Clubs
Kids
Get a Library Card Kids Program Calendar Booklists by Grade Level and Topic Local Authors for Kids
Teens
Library Clubs Calendar Research Tips Local History
Outreach
Adult Care Facilities Delivery Homebound Delivery Bookmobiles Language Communities
Evolution of the PCLS OPAC
Customization beyond “The Buttons”
Evolution of the PCLS OPAC
Evolution of the PCLS OPAC
The beta test period was a good time to make major customizations Beta testing, while challenging, has allowed us to develop strong ties with
Polaris Library Systems and given us the opportunity to influence the product itself
Customization
The PowerPAC has many elements designed specifically to facilitate customization
Customization
Custom Themes Panels Web Parts The language files SA settings
The Results
What were the results of our customization efforts?
Where do we go from here?
Integration of RSS feeds produced by Polaris 3.3 into the public Web site pages
Production of the Catalog Home page content directly from our Content Management System
Much more…
Thank you!
Pierce County Library Web Site:
http://www.piercecountylibrary.org
My Email Address: