The Unbundled Option

A Public Library Perspective

Using Metasearch Software Not Bundled in an ILS

Big Question: WHY Needs assessment

– More database usage– Break the library model

Prepare for future electronic resources End the “why don’t you look like Amazon”

Pros

Did it our way Freak or not… control can be good Easier to adapt to change in technology Provide for different views

– Children’s– Other languages– Different libraries

Cons

Time Requires greater staff resources Problem solving issues

Capability Checklist

All capabilities of catalog– Place holds (reserves)– Patron information

Database naming conventions Ability to eliminate other jargon

What it takes to do this successfully

Patience Time Staff Cooperation of “clientele”

Integration Issues

Circulation functionality Variations of database access Response time Frequent changes in database access

User surveys, usability concerns

“Don’t make me think” – Steve Krug Usability studies

– Technical people– Non-technical people

Librarian studies

The consortium perspective

Different library, different view Circulation functions Holdings issues In library vs out of library