Simple system

Posted by Clayton Andres on Oct 6, 2011 in News | 0 comments

The Norma Marrion Alloway Library has recently launched a powerful new interface with the intent of making the online experience of the library more accessible and user-friendly. The library staff launched SirsiDynex Symphony: a computer-based system that hosts the new interface eLibrary. eLibrary has an easy-to-use search engine with unlimited full-text search results, allowing students to place holds, renew items, view book covers, images, and reviews, all online. The whole eLibrary system is supported on Android, Blackberry, Smartphone browsers for mobile-friendly access to all library sources and resources.

The new system also provides mobile connectivity with a new app called BookMyne. The app is available for iPhones and iPod Touches and allows users to gain full access to all the enhanced content on Alloway’s eLibrary. App users can manage their accounts, receive recommendations based on previous check-outs, and use the free GPS enabled map to find their way to the library. The biggest feature of the app is a barcode scanning capability. Students can snap photos of the barcodes of any book, CD, or video outside the library and find out if Alloway has that item available. If the item is not available, SirsiDynex can identify the nearest library with a copy obtainable. The app is available now free from the Apple Store, with support available for French, German, and Spanish speakers. An app is in development for Android phones.

Alloway’s eLibrary can be found online at library.twu.ca. To encourage students to familiarize themselves with the new catalogue, the library is holding a contest wherein students copy and paste search results for books, videos, and electronic articles they may use during this upcoming semester onto emails and send them to the library for a chance to win free stuff. A flash tutorial can also be found on the library homepage to help students become acquainted with the new system.

Clayton Andres