Libraries integrate online systems
KATE DOOLEY
News Writer
The Notre Dame, Saint Mary's and Bethel College campus libraries have implemented a new system that allows users to renew materials online.
The three schools and Holy Cross College, which plans to implement the system in the future, formed a cooperative through a system called Aleph that connects to each school's online catalog. It uses the ID barcode as well as the last four digits of your social security number to process the renewal. Administrators hope the new system will help to streamline the process of using materials through the libraries.
"The reasoning behind the renewal system is to offer students, faculty and staff the convenience of renewing books online," said Kate Ward, collection manager and systems librarian at Saint Mary's. "This service allows you the comfort of renewing your book at three in the morning while sitting in your dorm room wearing your pajamas."
The system allows patrons to see what they have currently checked out on their record and then renew materials or cancel any hold requests that are no longer needed. Brochures are available at all the libraries that explain the online renewal process step by step and provide the Web addresses for each of the libraries.
Each school's system keeps track of its own collection individually so students must go to that specific library's online catalog to renew material, said officials. Most students' materials will be renewed for 28 days, whereas faculty and graduate students have a longer time period for renewal.
Ward said public libraries have offered this service for some time now, but use in a university setting is a relatively new concept. They had to make sure that people's record would be secure and private. Ward instructs users to change their verification pin to something other then their social security number as well as logging out when done to protect your privacy.
"We are committed to your privacy and your First Amendment right to read what you want to read," she said.
The library hopes that the system will serve the patrons as well as cut back on their late fees. Earlier in the semester, Saint Mary's library began to e-mail late notices as opposed to mailing them.
Now, coupled with the renewal online, when patrons receive a late notice, they can go right to the Web site and renew the book or magazine, making it easier to avoid late charges.
Ward said that the library has received positive feedback on the renewal system but will continue to identify and implement any needed improvements.
All News Stories for Monday, November 25, 2002
