Category: Learn!
Sierra Workshops & Meetings
Inter-Library Loan – FAQ
Don’t we already have Inter-Library Loan?
- Yes, but the new module will allow libraries, patrons, and MHLS staff to manage the borrowing process through Sierra. This will provide a more cohesive, streamlined service for everyone involved.
Can I manage my SEAL requests through Sierra’s ILL module?
- No, at this time the ILL module is only for requests made through MHLS staff from OCLC but we hope to expand the functionality to include SEAL in the future.
Will patrons or library staff be able to renew ILL items themselves?
- No, requests to renew borrowed items will need to be made through Mid-Hudson Library System – send an email to ill@midhudson.org
Do I still need to use my ILL dummy barcodes?
- No, not for ILL requests filled by MHLS. A barcode bookmark will be included in your ILL item to be used when receiving your request. However, you may want to keep the dummy barcodes if you use them to process SEAL requests.
My holdshelf slip looks different.
- The ILL module does not support the use of custom print templates, so your holdshelf slip may have different fields and text from your usual holdshelf slips.
Should I print a transit slip to return my item?
- You do not need to print a transit slip when prompted by Sierra. Instead, use the barcode bookmark included in your ILL, making sure the label RETURN TO MHLS, ILL DEPT. is visible.
Encore Harvesting – Coming Soon
Description: Our shared catalog can utilize the Encore Harvesting functionality to set up harvesting of OAI-PMH compliant repositories in Encore. This feature can then be used to harvest or re-harvest repositories at any time.
- Encore Harvester - coming 2021
- Library Readiness: Laurie will will be providing a presentation on Encore Harvesting at each of the County DA meetings fall 2020
- We will provide some examples of harvesting options to consider and ask each county to submit additional ideas for record harvesting.
- Encore Harvester | FAQ - coming soon
- Staff documentation - coming soon
Training Survey
We are rethinking our training for Sierra and Encore. We need your input! Please take this brief training survey by 8/15/2020.
An Introduction to Decision Center
Decision Center has been released and is ready to use. For additional information, including links to documentation, click HERE.
ONLINE WEBINARS – An Introduction to Decision Center
Getting Started with Decision Center is offered as a Lunchtime Webinar. Check the MHLS Calendar for dates.
These workshops have been postponed – look here for rescheduled dates.
Monday March 23rd | 10:00 – 12:00 at Patterson Library – postponed
Tuesday March 24th | 10:00 – 12:00 at Roeliff Jansen Community Library – postponed
Wednesday March 25th | 10:00 – 12:00 at MHLS Auditorium – postponed
Monday March 30th | 10:00 – 12:00 at Highland Public Library – postponed
Thursday April 2nd | 10:00 – 12:00 at Cairo Public Library – postponed
This workshop will be beneficial to any library staff responsible for gathering statistics, running reports on usage, and making collection development decisions for their library.
Decision Center is a Comprehensive collection management and analytics solution that provides library staff with dynamic tools to report, analyze, and make action-oriented decisions and recommendations regarding collection management. Decision Center helps libraries match supply and demand to deliver optimized service. By using current and complete data – about circulation, holds, transits, patrons, and acquisitions – Decision Center provides you with actionable insights to help your library improve patron-driven acquisitions while streamlining collection management workflows.
Lunchtime Webinar: Various Topics
February 26th|12:00-1:00pm| ILP Operations Supervisor Thomas O’Connell will offer a lunchtime webinar of training and Q&A. The topic will be Patron Data Entry & how patron records are used in Sierra.
April 27th|12:00-1:00pm| ILP Operations Supervisor Thomas O’Connell will offer a lunchtime webinar of training and Q&A. The topic will be the ever popular Basic Create Lists.
These sessions will take place via a GotoMeeting session and last about 45 minutes. There is a 15 person attendance limit, and pre-registration is required. Log-in information for the webinar will be sent to your email address in advance of the event.
Lunchtime Webinar: Sierra Circulation 101
Monday February 24th|12:00-1:00pm
Friday March 27th|12:00-1:00pm
Friday April 24th|12:00-1:00pm
ILP Operations Supervisor Thomas O’Connell will offer a lunchtime webinar of training and conversation at noon. The topic will be Circulation 101 and is intended for any new staff, or perhaps experienced staff wondering if there are more efficient ways to do things while covering the circ desk. This will be a good time to ask those questions that you have been wondering about…
The session will take place via a GotoMeeting session and last about 45 minutes. There is a 15 person attendance limit, and pre-registration is required. Log-in information for the webinar will be sent to your email address in advance of the event.