Showing posts with label library catalog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label library catalog. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Searching Modernized

In this school library, we have only one computer solely dedicated to searching the catalog.  That is absolutely all you can do with it. It's always on and ready to search.

But one is not enough.  Space limitations prevent us from adding more dedicated computers.

We also have 26 other brand new iMacs.  They are most frequently used by classes doing research, but they are also available for independent use.  Students who want to search a book are required to login to their individual user accounts, access the internet, find Destiny (if they haven't bookmarked it) and then conduct their search for books.  

Too many steps.

A cart of iPads is available for teacher check-out (which includes me).  Students have learned to use the Destiny Quest app, but they cannot checkout iPads individually.

Students won't search if it is too difficult, so we needed to find a simple solution. 

This is what we came up with:

The mount was purchased from Smart Things.  

Locking the iPad to one app is called Guided Access.  To set it up, go to:
  • Settings
  • General
  • Accessibility
  • Guided Access (near the bottom)
  • Turn it on & set 4-digit passcode
    • Go to the app you want to use and triple-click the home button
    • At this point you can circle any areas you want to restrict and there are additional options for disabling the sleep/wake button, volume buttons, touch control, and motion control.  We did not need to change anything here.
  • To change anything or disable restrictions, just triple-click the home button, enter your code, and make your changes.


This has been such a success that we are looking for other locations to mount them... and the funds to do it with.



Thursday, November 29, 2012

Accessing your eBooks and Catalist Books through your Destiny Catalog

Follett Destiny is making it so easy to access your eBook content and audiobook content right through the catalog. You can easily set up accounts that allow students to bypass the confusing usernames and passwords. Watch how easy this all is.....

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Your Library Has Gone Mobile!


Access the library anytime, anywhere with the Destiny Quest Mobile App.

If you don't have, or don't remember your Destiny username and password, contact you librarians Ann Vega or Cindy Rogers .

You will also need your school number: 4209673

Once your account is set up you can...
* Search for books district-wide
* Place books on hold
* Renew your books in one easy step
* And soon you will be able to READ

I'm so excited about the convenience and independence this offers.
And I can't wait for our vast collection of eBooks to be available right there on my phone through this app... for FREE.