OPAL Updates and Tips

OPAL Update March 31, 2022

April OPAL Idea Exchange: NEW EBSCO PFUI and EDS

As EBSCO continues the roll out of their new Publication Finder (PFUI) and EDS platforms, we know you probably have lots of questions. 

Join us as we unpack EBSCO's new PFUI and EDS platforms on April 22 at 10 am. We’ll share what we’ve learned and discuss options, our suggestions, and potential timelines, especially in the context of ongoing “future of ILS” conversations. In addition to the nuts-and-bolts aspect of the discussion, this is also an opportunity for you to weigh in regarding how soon (and to what extent) you might want to make any changes. Know that whatever is decided, we’ll be on-board to do the heavy lifting and make the process as smooth as possible.

For details, check out the new Publication Finder page on the OPAL website and the link to EBSCO's overview video. 

If you missed this month's exchange discussion about access topics, catch up with the recap.

Editing Your EBSCO Select Resource Page

Did you know you can edit your EBSCO Select Resource Page? This is a page your users might encounter when an EBSCO session times out and they reauthenticate. It's a good idea to check and make sure you aren't pointing to any sandbox profiles, old versions of your EDS, and databases you don't use. Not sure what it looks like? Find a sample screenshot and editing instructions in the latest OPAL Tips post. You can also always ask opalhelp@ohionet.org to adjust the page for you.

When to Delete Order Records

We suggest libraries avoid deleting order records in the middle of the fiscal year. Without order details it is near impossible to troubleshoot negative encumbrances or to sort through issues that arise during fiscal close. Instead, if possible, suppress order records and wait to delete them until after your next fiscal closing.

Cancelled Hold Notifications

Since we're all cancelling more holds than usual due to the courier transition, just a reminder that the notification process for OPAL and OhioLINK holds is slightly different. When you cancel an OhioLINK request (a request that is not from an OPAL library), the cancellation notices are generated by the patron’s library system.  In that case you will not see the prompt to notify the patron as you would expect for OPAL requests. 

Training Opportunities for Academic Librarians

OhioNet's new virtual workshop format returns this spring featuring an in-depth discussion of fair use. Visit the training page for more information and a full listing of all upcoming professional development and continuing education opportunities, including April's Copyright in Action: Fair Use Myths and Misconceptions webinar.

If you missed the OCLC Resource Sharing Conference, recordings from the free, four-part ILL 101 series on copyright, borrowing, lending, and assessment, are available from the IDS Project Online Learning Institute.

Interim OPAL OTM Contact

Since OPAL is currently without an OTM Coordinator, if you have new staff, please notify opalhelp@ohionet.org regarding any training needs during this interim period. There’s also a place to request training on our update form where you can take care of everything at once.

What is the OhioLINK Library Catalog – LR in the EDS?

If you decide to include the OhioLINK catalog in your EDS search results you may have noticed two options in the Database list of your EBSCO admin, the OhioLINK Library Catalog – LR (cat02507a) and OhioLINK Library Catalog (cat01905a). Both collections are identical in content. The only difference should be that the LR version pushes the Central resources further down in the search results, allowing local catalog and more exact eResources to hit higher up the list.

Whichever one you select is up to you but make sure you have only one version of the OhioLINK catalog selected. 

Courtright Memorial Library Turns 50!

There's cause for celebration! 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Courtright Memorial Library. Many events, programs, and activities are planned throughout the year to celebrate this milestone. Consider sharing stories and memories from your time in the library by filling out this form. Stories will be shared in the Otterbein Digital Commons.

OPAL Member News

Welcome New OPAL Members!
 

Rachael Acheson, Muskingum
Reference and Instruction Librarian

Charissa McDowell, Walsh 
Evening Circulation Supervisor

Amy Donovan is the new Circulation Supervisor at the University of Mount Union.

Upcoming Meetings:
April 6: Circulation COI Meeting 
April 20: Cataloging COI Meeting

Meeting details and Zoom links are on the OPAL Calendar.

Use this form to notify us of any staff changes at your institution.