As mentioned already, the library has no OPAC so kids are just signing out books, handwritten, in a notebook. The conspicuous absence of a online library catalog coupled with the pressure of the SACS accreditation visit is a good opportunity to implement Destiny at the school.
Destiny has the following advantages:
- manage student borrowing records
- send/print/email overdue notices to students
- reduce duplication in ordering or shortages of books to ensure more effective use of budget
- help teachers and students independently access materials with online searching
- provide internet/remote 24/7 access and searching of library collection
- do annual inventory of collection regarding condition, use and location
- has a bilingual access (in Spanish and English)
- produce reports for directors and admin
- minimize lost materials
- reduce time in searching for books (provided we also physically organise the books well)
- reduce staff time in cataloging and processing books
In the last year at my previous school, I evaluated several OPACs and this definitely came out on top, more so for EA as it is in Mexico. Because of the school's proximity to the US and the availability of a Spanish language interface, Destiny is a real possibility. We are contacting the Follett rep for Mexico to give us a cost estimate.
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