Palo Alto City Library Launches New Service Platform

News from the City of Palo Alto:

Palo Alto, CA – On Feb. 17, the Palo Alto City Library will launch a new online library service platform designed to improve service for customers and support the work of library staff.

Innovative Interfaces’ Sierra Library Services Platform will be the new platform. Customers will primarily interact with the platform via the web-based catalog for accessing library collections, both physical and digital. Library staff has already begun using the Sierra platform for behind-the-scenes library operations.

The Library Technology Plan 2009-2013 developed the initial idea for a “full-service online library branch,” noting that “mobile-friendly services” would be commonplace by 2015. The Library Advisory Commission (LAC) proposed in November 2011 to integrate the library catalog with virtual resources and delivery that is both web-based and mobile. The new platform will enable the Library to achieve that goal. Library Director Monique le Conge Ziesenhenne said, “We are putting a system in place that meets community needs. This new platform provides an architecture that not only supports familiar services—such as checking items in and out—but also positions the Library to expand its online services into the future.

Over the past four months, library staff has been working with Innovative Interfaces to set up the new platform.

Anticipated new features will be available on Feb. 17:

• Chinese, Russian, and Spanish language interfaces
• Direct access from catalog search results to subscription research articles online
• E-book checkout integration
• Individual choice to save your own private reading history
• Simple keyword searching with “Did you mean?” spellcheck option
• Integration of LINK+, interlibrary borrowing service, into search options and account management. LINK+ service returns on February 25.

Due to platform migration, starting at 6 pm on Feb. 14, all online self-service features will become unavailable. In addition, due to the platform’s final switch over and necessary time for staff training, all five Palo Alto City Library branches will be closed on Feb. 16.

For more detailed information about changes and new features, visit the Library website http://bit.ly/1SMVthk.

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