Tip of the Week

Tip for: 01.27.03

Explore

For those of you who are not familiar with the Explore add on, it is a search module that uses icons to do different searches and other functions to help mostly younger patrons as they use the online catalog.  Although it comes with a complete set of searches when it is purchased, it can be completely customized to meet the needs of each individual library using the Alexandria Researcher preferences.  Not only can a button be set to do a particular search, but you can also open web sites, electronic files, applications, show a message, take a patron to another Pane, which is a group of 15 buttons, or open a help file.  This means that even young patrons can utilize the powerful capabilities of the Alexandria Researcher.

To edit a Button:

With Alexandria open, select Preferences from the Edit drop-down menu.

Next, use the Administration drop-down menu and click on Alexandria Researcher.

Click on the Explore tab or use the F2 key at the top of the keyboard to switch to Explore.

From the list on the left-hand side of the window, choose the name of the Pane with the Button to be edited. After clicking on the Pane to be edited, click on the Edit Pane button on the right-hand side of the window.  This will open the pane for editing.  You can also double-click on the name of the Pane and it will also open up.

Double-click on the button to edit, or highlight it and then click on the Edit Button button. This will open the window allowing you to change the function or picture of a button.  Use the Action drop-down menu to change the function of the button and then click OK when finished making the desired changes.

To change the picture simply drag and drop the new picture to be used on top of the old icon.

For certain images to be usable in the Explore interface and for certain drag and drop features, QuickTime may be required.

To create a new button simply follow the same instructions above using a blank button.

One of the ways that Explore can be customized is by adding buttons for different teacher reading lists, web sites, or assignment outlines.  If desired, an entire Pane could be used for each teacher's needs.  Messages can also be added about library hours, new items, etc.  There are many different things that can be done to customize Explore to meet the needs of your patrons.

Thank You,
The Alexandria Staff Librarians