Alma Interested Users as a Service to Patrons and Librarians

Abstract

In 2018, the KSU Library System’s Technical Services department piloted and developed workflows for the Interested Users function for monograph acquisitions. We analyzed the existing notification process and consulted with Access Services to incorporate the Interested User function into our workflows. Previously, “notify” meant that a user wanted to check out a resource as soon as it was received and processed. When a notification was placed on a book, the book had to be cataloged and processed individually by our Technical Services department. Because Technical Services is located in an off-site facility, getting the books to the owning library took additional time. We increased efficiency by using the Interested User function to automate the notification process, allowing books to receive shelf-ready processing and be shipped directly to the owning library. We also used the Interested User notification and Interested User hold functions to distinguish between requests from librarian liaisons for a notification when new resources were available and patrons who wanted to check out new books. A notification generated an automated email to the liaison, while a hold created a hold on the book using existing workflows. With the help of our Systems Librarian, we customized these email notifications. We integrated the overall process into our Alma API ordering workflow by adding interested users to purchase order lines before the lines went into auto-packaging. By attending this presentation, attendees will learn practical methods of using inter-departmental collaboration to increase patron notification efficiency and improve acquisitions processes in Alma.