Normally, lines at the public library would be a good thing. But not when the lines are caused by problems with the New York Public Library’s new online catalog system.
The system, which integrates the catalogs for circulating and noncirculating materials and was designed to improve search functions, was introduced Monday morning. It handles all of the library’s data, both online and at the branches.
The malfunctions on Monday caused delays for patrons waiting to check out or renew books at the branches, and impeded access to personal accounts that allow users to renew or hold books online.
The problems continued on Tuesday. At 1:40 p.m. at the Mid-Manhattan Library on Fifth Avenue at 40th Street, a line of more than 50 people stretched past an escalator. Harried librarians scanned books while patrons tapped their feet, checked their watches and occasionally rolled their eyes.
“It’s a disaster,” said Debbie Wolf, an analyst for the New York City Housing Authority, who said she had been waiting for 15 minutes.
Get the basics right…
When libraries cannot get the basics right, no wonder people are flocking to Google and the like! When will libraries implement technology that works WELL? This is because libraries are scared of new technology and patching up old technology together like Z39.50. Libraries use technology foreign to mainstream society. Why can’t you have search technology to the likes of “brought you by Google”?
We are doing that!
leeb:
That’s exactly what we are doing. The Times story didn’t mention this, but our new catalog looks and works a lot like a Google search. It offers an easier and more intuitive search experience, while providing trustworthy search results. Among the most exciting aspects of the new system are genre searches and ‘cloud tags’ to narrow subjects much more easily and accurately. Check them out at <http://www.nypl.org/> http://www.nypl.org .
But probably the biggest change is that we’re integrating our previously separate online catalogs of research and circulating materials. Now all searches will pull from a total of eight million bibliographic records representing 14 million items! Yes, there have been glitches in the initial rollout of this system, but we’re working around the clock to fix them. Stay up to date on developments by becoming a fan of our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/newyorkpubliclibrary <http://www.facebook.com/newyorkpubliclibrary> ) or following us on Twitter ( <http://twitter.com/nypl> http://twitter.com/nypl).
Best,
Heidi Singer
Associate Manager, Public Relations
The New York Public Library
There is no such thing as a smooth conversion.
Congratulations on forward thinking. Hope things settle down soon.
Outrageous
Yeah. It is outrageous that NYPL did not do everything perfectly, on the first attempt, when introducing new technology. It’s obvious that the library is not only afraid of new technology but that they all wear their hair in buns.
Thank you Heidi
Glad you checked in and clarified what’s happening with the new cataloging system at the NYPL. Hope you’ll be back to post again.
Do you wear your hear in a bun…curious minds want to know.
Outrageous, part 2
Waiting 16 minutes?! It’s the end of the world!