OPAL Updates and Tips

March 2022: Bring your Access-Related Questions and Make an OPAL Match

Discussion Highlights

This month we focused on various aspects of access and ways we can manage resource access and improve user experience for ourselves and our patrons. We also meandered into other topics, which is part of the fun of these informal exchanges.

Staffing Models are Changing

• Increase in positions not being filled after staff leave, voluntary retirements, cuts and restructuring.
• Fewer student workers and those that are in the library are taking over some former staff functions including copy cataloging, simple reference (and chat), PCIRC, and special projects.
• Discussion of cases where specific subject expertise may be sought over an MLS/MLIS credential.
• Concerns about losing institutional knowledge, especially in cataloging.

OPAL Matches and Training Needs

• Matched someone for Create Lists training.
• Interest in on-site training once it's safe once again to focus on and support local workflows.
• Opportunities for broader training beyond just Sierra and system related topics.
• What non-circ staff need to know about circulation functions.

Library Provided Textbooks

• Muskingum: The University bookstore helps coordinate textbook rentals for students through the 1st Day Program. Unfortunately, a lot of the textbook rentals are returned to the library in error.
• John Carroll: Textbook sharing through Chegg or Amazon rental. Keep high $ items on 2 hour course reserve.
• Otterbein: Student driven and includes ebooks. Requests are tracked and the library tries to fill in the gaps.

General

• Messaging has been added to the OPAL catalog regarding the courier transition and item requesting through the end of April. 
• Loan Rules have been temporarily changed to restrict requests to those being picked up at the owning library. Check for existing OL holds or any that slip through and cancel.
• There is interest in a mixer (perhaps over the summer) for new OPAL staff.

If you would like to suggest a topic or co-host a session, please reach out to opalhelp@ohionet.org.