Eastern Shore Public Libraries moving to Online Catalog

Readers will soon have an improved search tool for finding books to read at the Eastern Shore Public Libraries (ESPL).  The Shore’s library system is migrating its online catalog to another automation software system that is more user-friendly and with more features.  It will also be more efficient for library staff to catalog new books and make them available for reading sooner.

Some of the features include:

• A searchable mobile app
• Search word suggestions as you type
• Library catalog searchable by series
• Suggested “Read-alikes,” to find books similar to ones you like
• The ability to search for eBooks within this main catalog
• A “Community Tab” for a directory of local community groups
• The ability for teachers to create required reading lists
• The ability to suggest titles to library staff for purchase
• Personalized watch lists for additions of favorite authors, topics, series, and material types to the ESPL catalog
• Bookbags, savable shopping carts for books and materials found while browsing the catalog

“Eastern Shore Public Library wants the Shore to have a Culture of Reading,” states Cara Burton, Library System Director. “This new catalog system will be a great tool to help us meet that goal.  It will make reading more accessible and finding books more fun.  The awkward system we use now had changed its pricing, making this now within our budget.  With its increased efficiencies in cataloging and report generation, it will likely actually save us money in the long run.”

“Eastern Shore Public Library is on a fast track to modernizing as it moves into the new Regional Library now under construction in Parksley,” Burton continued.  “We have been working hard behind the scenes over the past four years to improve our workflow, procedures, technology, and interfaces.  We expect the library to be even busier in our bright, new facility and this tool will help us be ready.”

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Wayne Creed

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