Tag Archives: Access Services

New Library Catalog (and More) Launched

Posted on July 2, 2020 by | Leave a comment

With help from our colleagues at the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI), we have completed our migration to the new Ames Library catalog, I-Share catalog, and article databases, also known as “MegaSearch.” Launched on June 24th across the state, our new system provides enhanced searching, requesting, and delivery options for library users, and new tools for management of library resources for library faculty and staff.

While requests for materials from other library collections, both through I-Share and interlibrary loan, remain limited owing to the impact of the coronavirus on library services across the world, you can still use the new MegaSearch to discover and gain access to materials in the Ames Library collection (including curbside delivery, beginning July 7th), and to access digital resources including electronic journal articles, e-books, and streaming media. If you would like an introduction to the new system, please review this tutorial.

The migration to the new library catalog has been ongoing for over a year, and would not have been possible without the concerted efforts of library faculty and staff preparing materials, updating records, and trouble-shooting data and workflows. We look forward to introducing you and your students to the new system in the Fall. If you have any questions, please contact your liaison librarian.

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Breezeway Pickup Begins July 7th

Posted on July 2, 2020 by | 2 comments

Beginning July 7th, we will offer “breezeway pickup” of books, music scores, DVDs, and other physical items from the Ames Library collection. To request an item for curbside delivery, please:

  • Search for an item in the Ames Catalog (available on the library home page)
  • Choose a record
  • If you are not logged into the system, choose “Sign In” and enter your IWU NetID and password
  • Select “Get It” from the navigation options
  • Click the “Request” link next to the option to “Request for IWU curbside pickup”

Please note that our catalog interface has recently changed. If you would like an introduction to our new system, please watch this video.

Once your item is charged to your account and ready for pick-up, you will receive an e-mail from a library staff member asking you to set up an appointment for pick-up. At your scheduled time, a library staff member will meet you at the entrance of the library with your materials. Please note that, per campus guidelines, social distancing measures will be in place and you will be required to wear a face mask when you arrive. Pick-up policies may evolve based on demand, staff availability, and any changes in campus plans for return to the workplace during the summer. Please continue to look for updates in the library’s FAQ.
If you have not received an e-mail confirmation of the availability of your requested materials within 2 business days, please contact the Library Services Desk at circ@iwu.edu. Please note that library staff are not available during weekends during the summer.
Items returned to the library will be placed in quarantine for 3 days following their return, and will not be available for further circulation until the quarantine period has ended.
Curbside delivery will be available Mondays through Fridays, between 8 am – 2 pm. The Ames Library is currently scheduled to return to broader availability of library services on August 10, 2020. Further information on library re-opening plans will be announced here, and as part of the university’s Fall 2020 re-opening plans.

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Ames Library Catalog, I-Share, and MegaSearch Changes in June

Posted on June 2, 2020 by | Leave a comment

In partnership with our colleagues across the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI), the Ames Library will update our public-facing and internal library systems to provide a better user experience and more seamless discovery of our print and electronic materials. This new integrated library system (Alma) will “go live” on June 24th, and customizations will continue as needed.

On the library home page, you will still see our MegaSearch search box and you may use this for searching either our print and electronic (full-text) holdings, Ames Library Catalog, and/or I-Share.

We are excited to share with you the following enhancements and search features and hope to roll out more soon.

Enhancements include:

  • Log into the system with your University NetID and password
  • Easier access to I-Share resources due to shared system records
  • Email notifications when you check out or return an item
  • Longer and more consistent loan periods for some of our physical items
  • Real-time updates to records making the availability of materials more timely

New search features include:

  • Improved known-item searching
  • Print and electronic holdings display on one merged record
  • Quick searching based on Title, Subject, Author, etc.
  • Virtual Browse feature for print books to see related books by subject area

Finally, please note that the library catalog does not reflect new purchases made after May 1st. After June 24th, all new purchases will be added to the catalog, and availability will also be updated to reflect a book’s status. Access to electronic resources, such as ebooks, streaming video through Kanopy, Swank, or Alexander Street Press, electronic journals, and online databases, will not be affected by this change.

We do not yet know when borrowing through I-Share will resume. All fines and due dates have been suspended for items borrowed through Ames or other I-Share libraries.

More information on the “Alma and Primo VE migration” project is available at: https://www.ila.org/publications/ila-reporter/article/130/alma-and-primo-ve-migration-changes-coming-for-carli

If you have any questions, please contact your liaison librarian or access Virtual Consultations Tuesday through Friday between 1 pm – 5 pm. We will have more information, including online tutorials, after June 24.

Thank you for your patience as we navigate this transition!

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Collections on the Move

Posted on July 8, 2019 by | Leave a comment

As part of our ongoing review of library collections and space, we are undertaking a number of projects over the summer that will result in materials moving to new places in the short-term (or beyond). Microform collections have already been moved from the lower level of the Ames Library to the 3rd floor, and a number of books and journals will be shifted throughout the lower level during the next several weeks as we make room for additional services in the library.

If you have any questions about the location of library materials, or require assistance placing a request for materials, please contact the Library Services Desk.

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