After years of preparation, the UCLA library system is set to
have its new online catalog functioning on Wednesday as a
replacement to the current catalog, ORION2.
This new software, named Voyager, offers the same self-service
features that ORION2 had, such as online renewals.
But it also has numerous new features that the previous system
did not offer.Â
Voyager offers improved response time, information on items on
order, information on items being processed and the ability to
limit searches by item location. Starting in September, the Melvyl
UC system- wide catalog will also contain links as to the
circulation status for all UCLA items.
It was essential that a replacement be found for ORION2 because
the previous company that created the software that operated the
system was bought out, and the new company decided in late 2001 to
freeze development on the ORION2 software.
With a freeze on development of the ORION2 software, library
officials began the process of finding a new software system.
ORION2 had been purchased when it was still in development, and
thus it did not have the functionality or speed that was needed by
users, said Terry Ryan, an associate university librarian.
In order to ensure that they would be able to provide users with
the best system possible, library officials say they conducted
numerous tests to make certain that their selection would be the
best choice.
An online survey was distributed and focus groups were held with
students and faculty in 2002 in order to find what users felt were
essential features in a new system. According to library
publications, these tests found that users wanted speed, flexible
and accurate searching, useful search results and effective user
services.
After numerous tests and a long period of preparation, Ryan is
looking forward to the new system and said, “I am confident
the system will be reliable and perform to expectations.”
The software is also used in other major academic and research
libraries, including the Library of Congress, Columbia University
and Yale University.
Regardless of its track record, some students are reluctant
about the new system and question the need for it.Â
Behrouz Namdari, a fourth-year psychobiology student, said he is
hesitant about the implementation of the new system.Â
“I am unsure if all of the trouble of finding and testing
a new system will be really worth it,” he said.
“I used the last system for three years and I was
satisfied with it,” Namdari continued. “I don’t
really want to have to relearn how to use a whole new
catalog.”
But librarian Cathy Brown, who was part of the staff training
team, believes that the new system is relatively easy to use. She
said she likes the new system because of its increased speed and
new features.
Ryan believes that though users might at first find the
transition between the systems a bit difficult, she does not expect
the problems in functionality and reliability that arose with
ORION2 after the initial phase of learning the new
catalog.Â
Thus, Ryan expects that this system could be in place for seven
to ten years, or even longer.
Furthermore, the faculty say they have been thoroughly trained
with the new system, so that if students have problems learning the
new system, they can ask a librarian, use a special e-mail link on
the system or go to the “ask a librarian” link on the
Web site.
Regarding the release of the new system during summer, Ryan
explained that one of the reasons behind the summer release date is
that it is important to launch the system when it is not at peak
use during the regular school year.Â
As a result, Ryan said library officials will be able to further
test the released version in the summer months leading up to fall
quarter and work out any problems that may occur until students
pass the initial “where do I go” stages.