Updated: Some Bumps Along the Road for NYPL’s New Catalog

Effort to merge research and branch holdings involves "delays and difficulties"

Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 7/9/2009

• Circulating, noncirculating materials now in same catalog
• Downloading resolved; difficulty logging in
• Uses Millennium from Innovative Interfaces

[Updated July 9] A message to patrons via email and on the web stated: The transition to this new system has involved the movement of millions of pieces of data, and we sincerely apologize for the delays and difficulties many of you have experienced as a result. Please know that we are working around the clock to resolve these issues and that we appreciate your continued patience.

At this time, eNYPL access — for downloading eBooks, Audiobooks, Music, and Video — has been returned to service. We continue to work to ensure full functionality of the “Login” and “My Account” features.

We will continue to waive fines for delayed renewals as we experience heavier-than-normal call volume.

We will continue to update you on our progress as the issues are addressed. Please also check the Library's website — nypl.org — or the catalog website —catalog.nypl.org — for updates throughout the day.

[July 6] A major division between the New York Public Library’s (NYPL) Research and Branch libraries has been bridged, thanks to a new integrated catalog which includes both research materials (formerly CATNYP) and circulation (formerly LEO) collections. The new system, known as The Catalog, includes eight million bibliographic records representing 14 million items. 

The project took three years. NYPL has purchased several modules of Innovative Interfaces’s Millennium system, including the public interface component as well as tools for circulation, acquisitions, serials management, and electronic resources management, according to the library.

David Ferriero, the Andrew W. Mellon Director of The New York Public Libraries, said, “Our ultimate goal is to improve service to our users, and we feel sure that they will benefit from the many improvements this new system offers.”

Improved capabilities
Nearly every field in the catalog records is indexed for keyword searching, with options to narrow results via multiple criteria. A “cloud tag” offers visual representation of search results by subject. Users now have more control over holds, for example allowing them to change delivery locations up to the point they are put in transit. 

In the future, NYPL plans to have public interfaces in Spanish, Chinese, and Russian, community tagging, and the ability for users to pay fines via credit cards.

Borrowers with both a Research Libraries Access Card and a card issued by the Branch Libraries will see their records merged, and only the most recently issued card will remain valid.