Electronic Library Catalog Now Available in the Society Library

The Library Committee has made our computerized library system (ResourceMate) available for patrons to search using the “Patron Search” electronic catalog module. As a result, effective this month we will no longer be printing and filing cards into the card catalog for newly received items. Instead, these books will have complete records available in the electronic catalog. The conversion to an entirely computer-based system will be ongoing over the next approximately 3 years, depending on the success of the committee in recruiting volunteers to complete the task.

How can I learn to use the electronic catalog?  One of the Library computer terminals will be available for searching when the Library is open. Click on the “Patron Search” icon on the desktop. In the coming weeks, Library Committee members will be producing signs and training materials to help you use this feature. Library Committee members are usually present on Wednesdays to provide assistance. Education Department staffers Bonnie Drexler and Lana Reed are also available to help you locate materials.

Why are we making this change?  Printing, filing and maintaining the accuracy of physical catalog cards is very labor intensive. These tasks take time the Library Committee members can put to better use bringing all of the library’s records up to a standard that will eventually allow us to provide users with a complete online catalog of materials that can be accessed in many more ways than the traditional card catalog.

What materials are affected? Any item added to the collection starting in January 2012, whether newly published or not, will not have printed catalog cards. In addition, any item already in the collection that requires a cataloging change that would affect the bibliographic record (for example, a change in call number, author, title, or subject heading) will be affected. In these instances, we will remove old cards with incorrect information from the card catalog, and the record will then only be represented in the electronic catalog.

How will users know where to look for library materials? The only way to be sure you have thoroughly searched for an item in the collection is to check both the card catalog and the electronic catalog. In the electronic catalog, records may be searched by author, title, subject, or keyword. All cataloged items are represented, but some older records are very brief. We recommend the keyword search, especially for subject searches, as this is more likely to produce useful results. Remember that for the vast majority of items, the card catalog will remain an invaluable, if incomplete, tool for searches. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as the Library Committee works towards the goal of allowing technology to better and more efficiently serve the needs of our users.  We hope to see you soon in the Library!