So far, we’ve covered how to plan your OPAC launch and how to ensure a smooth transition to a new public library management system.
In our final instalment, we’re diving into an essential step that comes after your system is up and running: How do you make the most out of your new system? In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of maximizing your library system’s value by fully understanding its features and settings. The goal is to help you not only get the most out of your system as a librarian but also promote it effectively to your patrons, so they can benefit from everything your new system has to offer.
Recap: What We’ve Covered So Far
- Your OPAC Launch Plan:
A successful catalog rollout depends on preparation, communication, and thoughtful timing- not just the technology itself. It’s all about making sure everything is ready for your users before they interact with the system. A well-prepared rollout minimizes confusion and maximizes anticipation. - OPAC + Admin Portal Launch Plan:
Smooth transitions are key. From setting up your staff administration portal to ensuring the public-facing OPAC is easy to navigate, a seamless shift from your old system to the new one ensures no disruptions to your daily operations.
If you missed these posts, you can catch up on them here:
Now, Let’s Talk About Maximizing Your New System
Now that you’ve got the basics of your system set up, it’s time to focus on getting the most out of it. The key here is understanding the full range of features and settings available in your integrated library system (ILS). Once you’ve explored and customized these, you’ll be able to tailor the system to meet your library’s specific needs and market its best features to your users.
1. Explore All the Features of Your New System
A new ILS is often packed with a variety of features that can help streamline both your workflows and improve user experiences. The first step is to thoroughly explore all of these features. You may not be using everything out of the gate, but understanding what your system is capable of will give you the flexibility to adjust as your needs evolve.
Some key features to explore include:
- Catalog Management Tools: Are there ways to better organize your library’s resources? Look for features that allow you to tag or categorize items in more granular ways to make them easier for users to find.
- Advanced Search Options: Many modern systems have powerful search capabilities, such as filtering, sorting, and faceted search. Make sure you understand how to configure these to make searching as easy as possible for your patrons.
- Self-Service Features: Does your system include self-checkout, hold management, or online user account features? If so, ensure that they’re set up and tested for ease of use. These can enhance the user experience by providing more autonomy for patrons.
- Mobile Integration: With the rise of mobile technology, check if your system has a mobile app or mobile-optimized features. This could be a major convenience for users who prefer browsing or managing their library accounts on the go.
- Reports & Analytics: Most ILS systems come with reporting tools that allow you to track everything from circulation data to system usage. Learning how to generate useful reports will help you make informed decisions down the road – and even better, if you’re able to schedule those reports!
2. Maximizing the Value for Your Users
Understanding the system is only half the battle. Now, think about how you can tailor its features to meet your users’ needs. The more you align the system’s offerings with what your community wants, the more engaged your users will be.
Here’s how to make sure you’re getting the most value for your users:
- User-Centered Customization: Customize the OPAC and library system to cater to your user base. This could include simple design tweaks (like adding your library’s logo or color scheme) or offering accessibility options. A system that feels personalized is one that users will return to again and again.
- Introduce New Features Gradually: If your system has new or advanced features (such as self-checkout or digital collections), roll them out gradually. Provide helpful guides, videos, or tutorials on how users can take advantage of these features. Start with the features that are easiest to implement and gradually introduce more complex tools.
- Staff Training: Ensure that staff are fully trained on the system, not just for internal use but also in helping users navigate the system. A knowledgeable staff member can make a huge difference in how your users engage with the system.
- User Feedback: Encourage user feedback. Whether it’s through surveys, comment cards, or informal conversations, understanding how users interact with the system will help you make adjustments and improvements.
3. Effective Promotion of Your System
Once your system is live, the next step is encouraging awareness and adoption. But in public libraries, “marketing” doesn’t always look like traditional campaigns. Messaging is often centrally managed, resources are shared across networks, and staff time is limited.
That doesn’t mean promoting your system isn’t possible – it just means it needs to be practical, targeted, and built into everyday library operations. Therefore, effective system promotion is about helping patrons discover value naturally by:
1. Making Features Easy to Discover
One of the most effective ways to promote your system is by letting patrons come across features as they use it. Visible homepage highlights, featured collections, or prompts within the catalogue can draw attention to useful functionality without requiring external promotion. When features are easy to find, patrons are far more likely to use them.
2. Supporting Self-Service with Clear Guidance
Clear, accessible guidance often has a greater impact than formal marketing. Short how-to guides, screenshots, or quick explainer videos can significantly reduce common questions at service points. Adding a guide within the OPAC, linking to it from the library website, or using simple in-library signage helps patrons feel confident navigating the system on their own.
3. Using Existing Touchpoints
Effective promotion doesn’t require new channels. A short newsletter mention, a small website update, or a simple social post can raise awareness. Everyday staff interactions matter too – when staff naturally point out useful features during conversations, that reinforces value without adding workload.
Final Thoughts
Maximizing the value of your new library system is all about understanding its full range of features, aligning them with your users’ needs, and promoting them effectively. As you become more familiar with the system, you’ll unlock even more ways to enhance the user experience and streamline your library’s operations.