Library Embarks on New Voyage

Over this past summer, a major transformation took place in campus libraries, including the Mills Music Library. The University implemented an entirely new automated library system. The new system, named Voyager, was developed by Endeavor Information Systems of Des Plaines, Illinois. It includes a suite of staff functions for buying, cataloging, and checking-out library materials, but most readily apparent to the library user is a new version of MadCat, the library's computer catalog.

There were a number of reasons why it was important to move to this new integrated information management system now. The library's previous automated system was developed twenty years ago and the version it was operating was no longer supported by the vendor. Also, by making the new system operational before the year 2000, UW libraries were able to avoid potential Y2K problems.

The new Voyager system allows library users to do more things without the intervention of library staff. Using the power of client-server technology and the Web, patrons can now (or soon) use the online catalog to:

Access personal library records (items checked out, recalls, and due dates)
Renew and recall items online
See up-to-the minute additions of newly acquired materials
Link to electronic reserves
Link to full-text electronic journals and other resources
Access the collections of UW libraries statewide

With the advent of the Voyager system, the library simultaneously put a new face on its web site. Last year, the campus libraries conducted an extensive study of library users' responses to the campus library web site. As a result, the site was redesigned to be a more welcoming and easy-to-use gateway to campus libraries and their resources. Many of the changes were based on specific suggestions made by participants in the study.

To help users acclimate themselves to the new environment, the Music Library and many other sites on campus are offering workshops to help users learn to navigate and locate information in the new system. For a listing of these and other workshops offered by the Music Library, see page 6 of this newsletter. For a complete listing of campus workshops see the schedule online or pick-up a copy in print format in the Music Library.

So, while we welcome Voyager MadCat as our new link to information, we bid fond adieux to the familiar and comfortable MadCat "blue screen" which served the library for many years.

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