The Unbundled Option A Public Library Perspective
Using Metasearch Software Not Bundled in an ILS Big Question: WHY Needs assessment – More database usage – Break the library model Prepare for future electronic resources End the why don t you look like Amazon
Pros Did it our way Freak or not … control can be good Easier to adapt to change in technology Provide for different views – Children s – Other languages – Different libraries
Cons Time Requires greater staff resources Problem solving issues
Capability Checklist All capabilities of catalog – Place holds (reserves) – Patron information Database naming conventions Ability to eliminate other jargon
What it takes to do this successfully Patience Time Staff Cooperation of clientele
Integration Issues Circulation functionality Variations of database access Response time Frequent changes in database access
User surveys, usability concerns Don t make me think – Steve Krug Usability studies – Technical people – Non-technical people Librarian studies
The consortium perspective Different library, different view Circulation functions Holdings issues In library vs out of library