State librarian Annie E.C. Norman expects the new electronic system to be ready for what she calls a "soft launch" late next month.
In the spring, the state's Division of Libraries will publicize how to access the network at community and college libraries.
Meanwhile, administrative librarian Vincent Alascia and a consultant from Sersi, the software company, have been unknotting kinks in the program, making it attractive and user friendly.
The state library is housed in rather unassuming quarters behind brick walls in the Edgehill Shopping Center on U.S. 13 in Dover.
Rather than lending books to patrons or providing magazines to browse, the state library is home to administrative offices and a collection for the visually impaired.
In the back offices at computer screens, technicians have been working since July to develop the single electronic catalog.
Ms. Norman, who has been state librarian since 2002, said the $500,000 project was paid for through cost savings, by leaving staff positions vacant in order to get the job done.
"The (legislative Joint Finance Committee) continues to fund the technology," she said.
Linking catalogs from Kent and Sussex counties with Delaware Technical & Community and Wesley colleges along with the state Public Archives would appear to be a simple task.
Not so, Mr. Alascia said.
"We didn't have a good history of strong data," he said.
"It's tricky for the user, it looks like an easy thing. We had to look at all the software and translate it into a single database."
The goal, he said, is for the user to get an accurate response to a search from a home or library computer.
Library patrons who are familiar with existing systems, such as Kentnet, will be redirected to the appropriate link when the system comes online.
Rather than the outdated screen they now reach, readers will find a visually appealing and attractive home page.
"The level of functionality will be like day and night," Mr. Alascia said.
Readers will have an account that will allow them keep track of what they are reading, and another new feature will show users what are the most popular items for Delaware readers.
The system, Ms. Norman said, benefits more than readers.
It is designed to improve the quality of library collections statewide and assisted library directors by linking public and academic libraries.
"It's quite an investment, but the economy of scale will benefit all collections," Ms. Norman said.
"We'll see initial benefits right off the bat, but the long-term benefits will come when we develop stronger collections and services."
Local and academic library directors were involved in the planning process for the new system, and so far, the project has been on track.
"It hasn't happened yet, but my vision is to have a single catalog statewide," Ms. Norman said.
In addition, the state librarian has budgeted funds for training local library staffs, not only through e-learning but also through state staff conducting onsite educational sessions.
"We've made training a priority so people can take advantage of all the features," Ms. Norman said.
A grand opening, of sorts, along with a public training initiative, is planned in May.
"We wanted to be sure it worked," Ms. Norman said.
"It will be well worth the effort. The public will have access to a great deal more."
Reprinted from Newszap.com
Gwen Guerke can be reached at tell2gwen@aol.com
