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:

mmckenney@piercecountylibrary.org