New SWAN Library Catalog Coming To The Oak Lawn Public Library

Area libraries, including the Oak Lawn Public Library, are eagerly anticipating the implementation of a new online catalog. This updated system will go live on Tuesday, April 14 and will bring some highly in-demand features to the fingertips of Library patrons and enhance the user experience.

All 77 libraries in the System Wide Automated Network (SWAN) consortium – comprised of public, academic and special libraries - will make the move to the new catalog. Enterprise, the new public catalog, will work on all standard browsers, and allow even better sharing of materials as well as more intuitive searching, eBook integration and online resources.

Online searches will be easier with the additions of spelling correction, search suggestions and recommended titles. With intuitive searching, patrons will receive results the way they would expect, resembling the familiarity of popular internet search engines. An enhanced usability on mobile devices is another positive feature.

For eBook and audiobook lovers, this new catalog provides a seamless combination. A patron can view the downloadable resources that are checked out to his or her account, search for all digital holdings in the catalog, and then download these materials without having to leave the catalog, with one search and one log-in. This also applies to magazine and journal articles, online resource suggestions and database integration via eResource Central and Ebsco EDS.

One of the most utilized benefits of SWAN is that members of one library can request materials from other member locations, and the items are delivered to their home library for checkout. This Interlibrary Loan process is responsible for over eight million shared items annually. In the new catalog, patrons will still be able to request materials from other member locations and have materials delivered to their home library for checkout.

Patrons will still be able to view eBook holds and checkouts in the catalog, place holds, freeze holds and pay fines. Coming soon, mobile apps and social media integration will make using your library even more dynamic. Patrons can also indicate how they would prefer to be notified of materials, whether by phone, e-mail, text, or paper.

Prior to the roll out of SirsiDynix, all patrons who utilize “Wish Lists” in the current catalog and want to export this information before Friday, April 10, should contact the Library at 708-422-4990 to speak with a staff member or visit www.olpl.org to download instructions. Patrons who have opted into saving their “Reading History” will find it transferred to their account in the new catalog.

Our Library staff is committed to making the transition to the new catalog as smooth as possible and will be readily available throughout the process to answer questions and offer assistance.

Here are a few a possible questions and answers.

Q: What should I do now to prepare for the new catalog?
A: Make sure your e-mail and phone number are accurate and up-to-date. Ask a staff member at one of our service desks, call 708-422-4990 or update the information online at https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/patroninfo

Q: Will there be any disruptions to the current catalog?

A: From April 11-13, the current catalog will be in view and search only mode. This means you will not be able to make changes or place holds. Since the system will be limited, information may be inaccurate. Staff will also be unable to look up your account information, so you will need your library card or know your number in order to check out material.

Q: What should I do after the April 14 update?
A: Log in to your account using your library card number and Personal Identification Number (PIN). When the new catalog goes live, your PIN will automatically reset to the last four digits of your primary phone number. You may then reset the PIN to one of your choice.

To change your PIN, log in to your account, call 708-422-4990 or visit one of our service desks for help from a staff member. You must have a valid e-mail account to reset your PIN online. Your checkouts, holds and other information from your card will transfer to the new catalog.

Remember to update your SWAN-related browser bookmarks that are saved to your computer or mobile devices.

The Oak Lawn Public Library is located at 9427 S. Raymond Ave. For additional information, call 708-422-4990 or visit www.olpl.org.