The benefits of OLIVER

In the current issue of Scan (Volume 35, Issue 1), Sonya Engelen outlines some benefits that OLIVER has bought to the students at Thirroul Public School.

OLIVER has become the standard for library catalogues in schools in NSW. Not only is it used in Department of Education Schools, but also through schools managed by the Catholic Education Office, Sydney and independent schools.

I have used or being exposed to other systems over the years and OLIVER is by far the best. Sonya has raised those benefits well like the Web 2.0 interface and ability to create lists containing resources for a topic. It simplifies the work in locating and selecting resources. As a teacher, I actually like creating and maintaining resource lists because it guide me in which resources to use in the classroom but also share it with students, so that they can actively use resources. This can be easily updated and changed as resources come and go.

Also the students can take ownership through providing book reviews, particularly if one is struggling to pick a book of their choice. This can also be tied into library feature reports in school newsletters

She does point one challenge in terms of educating students in how to login and access the catalogue, which is one challenge I'll have to set myself to do. At  Waverley College, I introduced students to the basics of OLIVER, like how to do a search, locate lists and identify the format of resources, but need to focus on the more advanced features like accessing the lists, advanced search features and even how to actually reserve a book without one having to go to the information desk.

Library Maps - Easy As

I was asked to do a map of the new library this week and place this on OLIVER. I'm no CAD expert (software you can use to make maps) but I decided to do it on Microsoft Word.

I could not believe that even though it takes a bit of time to draw it (using shapes to represent shelves etc) it was straightforward.

After converting the map to a jpeg file, I then placed markers using the Softlink software in which to do so. I tested it with a few titles using the OPAC and could not believe the accuracy of the markers in determining a books location.

I have to admit that the map feature is probably one of the most underutilised features of OLIVER & the OPAC because it can tell someone where a book can be found and this cuts out the time searching through many shelves.

It will even tell you too if the book is on loan through the map as well (and if you forgot to read the "status" listing!!!

Given we are at a new location, the students and teachers will need to rely on that map. I hope it helps them and I will aim to encourage them to make use of come the time they want to borrow a resource.

I've retained a copy of the word version because if the layout changes, I can move the shelves etc to reflect those changes. The shelving itself is largely movable especially those for the DVD collection. Some shelves are fixed but whats on them can change easily.

I'm looking forward to drawing some more library maps in the future!!!