LIB.705.Assign.Follett+Destiny

Lib.705.Assign.8 Follett’s Destiny Circulation System   Follett’s Destiny is a comprehensive library collection software system which has components to provide a library collection with : l. a catalogue and varied levels of search tools to customize search processes to accommodate prekindergarten patrons to collegial, power, users; 2. processes with two checkout options (by patron and by class); 3. circulation parameters to reflect library loan policies and ease in editing of circulation and patron types, thus there is ease implementing the following: importing vendor title files, catalogue material not available through an import file, and allows the use of resource databases.  Destiny has a centralized database. Whatever site a log-on user enters, they can place holds, view one’s individual status and recommend books to other patrons. As a librarian at the district level, I can access the collection of the district, if all sites were on the card catalogue system to target catalogue materials, circulation of materials, as it relates to sharing between sites, check in/out, placing holds or assessing fines (ie. damaged books).  While learning and beginning to use the system, there is a “ page help, ” as well as an “online help” allowing for getting “how to” information on any topic of the system. When Follett Destiny constructs a title record, there will be one reference to the reading selection with as many notations as there are copies in the system. What is nice, guest users can search through the catalogue.  The search system accommodates all levels of literacy. When limiters are used, the search can limit searches by materials, publication year, circulation, specific needs, tags. Visual searches include visual graphics which are ideal for K-3, ELLs, Special Needs and Intervention student populations. This Destiny Quest allows for highly visual and engaging catalogue interface designed for students. There can be the following postings: Top Ten(10) checked out library books from the collection; available to patrons can be a resource listing of public lists for research projects, different discipline book lists, new arrivals to collection. A tool for patrons: a Keyword Search helps patrons search with correct spellings. In using the search tools, one can narrow one’s individual patron search not only by the typical author,title, subject, genre, series. Other limiters can include, but are not excluded: review rating, awards, publication year, extent of pages, length of text, etc. To have these search tools available are very helpful, especially for ELLs and Special Needs.  The checkout/in system with its two options, is patron friendly, K – adult patron users. The books can be checked out individual, and/or by class. The system can show the patron’s last checked out copy and its dates of circulation out along with patron’s other current books out. If needed, there can be adjustments, by system administrator, of due dates, overdue notices and fines (including those for damaged books).  The circulation tab is helpful for identifying research in-house. <span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> The Back Office, administration of the Follett Destiny is also teacher- <span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Librarian friendly. The breadcrumb tools helps those just learning to implement. The system, is learner friendly. The multi-site access allows for global perspective of usage. I would find the ease report making helpful knowing what’s the inventory and costing out needs. I appreciate the inventory usage with its check in/out procedures to be very cost effective with it being used at multiple sites. If this system is effective in the library as well as other departments, i.e. textbook distribution and collection, I deduce there could be cost savings in the long run. It is my understanding, of the systems that have utilized this service also addressing textbook needs, this Follett Destiny may save districts a lot of “loose change”.