Evergreen help and information

– May 30, 2012Posted in: Library News

Check these links for help with the new EVERGREEN system

What is EVERGREEN?

  • A new online library catalog with new, customer-friendly features
  • Open source library system created by the Georgia Public Library Service
  • Freely available to libraries; grant-subsidized; more cost-effective

What changed with the new EVERGREEN system?

  1. If you used a PIN to access your account online, the PIN did not transfer. You will need to re-set your PIN. If we have your email address, you can re-set your PIN online. Or, we can issue a PIN for you at our Circulation Desk.
    • To reset online – go to your account page and click on “reset your password.” Check your email, and follow the instructions.
    • Not sure we have your updated email? Call or stop by our Circulation Desk!
  2. The online catalog has a new look and many new, customer-friendly features:
    • Personalized, easy-to-remember user names for logging in (or, use your library card)
    • Create and share personal lists of favorite items
    • Keep lists of what you’ve already read
    • Receive pickup notices via text or email
    • Freeze hold requests if you’re away, then reactivate in your pre-freeze position on the list

Common concerns:

Q: Why are we changing systems?
A: The Beverly Public Library is one of 27 public, academic and school libraries that make up the North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE) and share a common catalog. Our current catalog, Innovative Millennium, is near the end of its life and must be replaced. After evaluating many options, NOBLE members (including this library) chose to migrate to Evergreen as the catalog for all NOBLE libraries.

Q: Why are we buying a new catalog when money is so tight?
A: We had no choice since our current system is approaching the end of its lifespan. In fact, we believe that Evergreen will actually help us to control costs going forward. NOBLE and other library networks in Massachusetts are working together in adopting Evergreen. This new open source system will help keep costs down by eliminating yearly software license renewals and distributing development costs amongst multiple library systems. It also allows us more control over future software development – a primary consideration in our move to Evergreen. This will give us the capability to expand and update the catalog system to meet our patrons’ needs for years to come.

Q: Evergreen is “open source” – what does that mean?
A: “Open source” refers to software whose basic code is freely available. Instead of buying “closed source” or “proprietary” software (as we’ve traditionally done) from a private company and facing restrictions on use and development, Evergreen is a flexible system that will do everything the current system does and give NOBLE (and the larger Evergreen development community) the ability to change and improve the system in the future.

Q: What is NOBLE?
A: North Of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE) is a non-profit consortium of 28 public, academic and special libraries founded by participating libraries thirty years ago to share resources and improve service and efficiency through shared automation.

NOBLE libraries are excited about this change, and we think you will be too! Have additional questions? Just ask! Library staff will be available to assist you in person, by phone, and online.