Michigan Evergreen

I’m pleased to announce that the first draft of the Michigan Evergreen User Manual is now available online for your review. [Thank you - Elaine - for your hard work in putting this together!] We’ve posted the draft document in Word format on the Wiki.

In it, you will find sections on OPAC searching, loading the Staff Client, Circulation, Cataloging, and Systems Administration. This manual is intended to be used as a handy, day-to-day reference for the Michigan Evergreen integrated library system, either as an online tool or in print format for desk use at circ, reference or cataloging. The print version is indexed for easy reference. [My thanks to Heather Thomas for her expertise in creating an index for the print version!]

We are asking Evergreen libraries to browse through the draft User Manual and to let us know if you see errors or missing information. Please email Elaine Ross (rosse@mlcnet.org) your comments and suggestions for additions and/or improvements by March 15, 2009. Based on your input, we will revise the User Manual and will post the final version on the Michigan Evergreen wiki by late March or early April.

We put this User Manual together for a number of reasons.
First, as we worked through the pilot phase of the Michigan Evergreen project, we discovered that not all Evergreen information was available in a single location.  We wanted to compile the basic information that our libraries need in one document for easy retrieval.
Secondly, when visiting our participating libraries – especially the smaller branches – we discovered that the circ desk workers were finding it easier to search for user information in their paper training materials (marked with post-its) than to try to search documentation online while patrons were lined up and waiting.  We wanted to give them an option that would allow them to have a printed User Manual in a binder at the circ desk, as well as online access.
Third, as we worked with the Evergreen system during the pilot phase, new enhancements and processes were developed that were not included in our original training materials, and we wanted to find a way to get that information to our participating libraries.

The folks at Equinox (ESI) are also in the process of developing a more comprehensive documentation tool for Evergreen using XML which will eventually replace our User Manual.  Think of our Word format User Manual as a stopgap effort until more usable online documentation is readily available. We are also encouraging other Evergreen shared systems to use material from our User Manual freely in their local documentation and to share their suggestions for improvements as well.

We’re looking forward to hearing your feedback! Thanks!

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