Library Catalogues as Social Spaces:A shift in the perception of the public library catalogue and its function in libraries.

Launch

September 2009

User Experiencewhat our users tell us

Sample of Feature Comments“I am not very computer savvy but must say that this site makes it so easy to

do things on.” - 2010-05-11

“I just noticed the Explore Further -> Browse the Shelf option. That is awesome.” - 2010-05-23

“First time use for catalog search, much better, faster” - 2010-05-23

“I only want to know why there is no window saying that my hold has gone through and I can continue...did I miss a step ?.”

- 2010-05-14

“I think the online method allowing one to put books on hold and to renew them is wonderful.” - 2010-05-22

“It doesn't show the exact thing you want. for example: when you type in video games, it only shows two games and the rest books.” - 2010-05-16

“We can't seem to find how to change how we are notified when a library item is about to come due, using this web site (whether by email or by phone)” - 2010-05-22

Bibliocommons’ ResponseFixes & Upgrades• Improved searching• Fixed hold messaging glitch• Security - SSL encryption• Online card renewal• Lists – better searching & display• Approx. 10 major releases – 20-30

enhancements - dozens of fixes

Social Features

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How has the “social” changed the way the catalogue is used? some “early days” observations

Tech Comics: "New Trends in Social Networking" March 21, 2008By Oliver Widderhttp://itmanagement.earthweb.com

What we’ve learned

Photo by Cayusa on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/cayusa/981372736/

Questions?

Peter SchoenbergDirector, eServicesEdmonton Public Library780 496 1855pschoenberg@epl.ca

Martina KingVirtual Services Librarian InternEdmonton Public Library780 442 0242mking@epl.ca