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Tip of the Week

Tip for: 01.06.03

Web

Here at COMPanion Corporation we are constantly working on enhancements and add-ons to Alexandria that will help librarians as they work to make their collection more accessible to patrons and easier to administer. The Web add-on is one of these options. It makes it unnecessary to install the Researcher client on all the computers to be used as a patron catalog. Web also enables patrons to be able to access the library's catalog where ever there is access to the internet.

Prior to having the Web add-on, it was necessary to download and install the Researcher client onto each computer that would be used as an online catalog. This could take some time depending on how many computers would need to have this installed so they could access the library catalog. The Web cuts out this step because it uses the browser that is already installed on the computer.

Another thing that really makes Web helpful, is that it allows patrons to be able to access the library catalog from any computer with an internet browser at any time. As long as the Data station is running the catalog is available. This means that a patron can find out what resources the library has available, even when they aren't open. This also means that patrons have the time to utilize websites that may have been cataloged to further assist patrons in their research.

Most Web pages require configuring a 3rd party Web Server. Alexandria's built in Web Server eliminates this painful and time consuming process. COMPanion's motto, "The power of simplicity." is definitely exemplified in the Web option. Once the product code for web is added, the catalog is accessible from a browser by typing in the IP address of the Data Station to be searched. To make it easier to access simply create a link either on the school or library web site using that same IP and then when patrons click on that link they can easily access the catalog. There are also some preferences that can be filled out to enhance the web search window. These allow you to add a link back to the main school or library web site. You can also add Header and Footer text as well as other customizable text that will show up in different parts of the window. You can also set the things that will be allowed from the web, such as checking patron status, placing holds and reservation, and renewing items. This can be done in Alexandria by going to Edit, then Preferences. From the Preferences window, use the Administration drop-down menu to select Web. Even if you don't have the time to change these setting right away, the Web feature will be useable by patrons.

The Web add-on can help you as you work to make your collection more accessible to your patrons. By adding web sites to your catalog, you also make your catalog more useful to your patrons as well.

Thank You,
The Alexandria Staff Librarians

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