Library Enjoys Tenfold Increase in Circulation

In less than two years online with the Eloquent Librarian™ SaaS,
The BC Centre for Safe Schools and Communities tracks a tenfold increase in circulation.
Now the focus is to make a wealth of digital resources available online.

Sheila St. Laurent, February 11, 2009 -- The BC Centre for Safe Schools and Communities approached Eloquent Systems in the spring of 2007 for the purpose of creating a Virtual Library for their clients. A decision was made by the Centre to use Eloquent’s Librarian Software with its integrated OPAC feature which allows a full search of the on-line catalogue via a link from the web site http://www.bccssc.ca/.

The decision was based on criteria the Centre viewed as important for their clients and library needs. Criteria such as; ease of MARC record imports; user friendly cataloguing features, including the ability to hold three separate collections and allow users to search all three at one time, or narrow the search to one collection only; utilize a web based format; ability for clients to order resources on-line; a client friendly navigation system; and a visually appealing layout of catalogue records for clients, including book cover images.

The BC Centre for Safe Schools and Communities maintains a specialized collection of print and video resources in a variety of topic areas including:

The Eloquent system organizes and manages the Centre’s library holdings plus allows their clients to search and order resources on-line. The Centre’s library clients have commented that the online catalogue is easy to search, information is clearly organized and that they enjoy ordering resources on-line. Working with the Eloquent Professional Services team, we now have a feature that flags “new arrivals” with a special icon. The icon displays beside all new arrivals for any search and by clicking it you get a list of all other new resources. Clients love it!

From initial set up to daily tech support, the Eloquent helpdesk has been instrumental in our success. They are knowledgeable and very dedicated in following up with solutions.

The numbers demonstrate major benefits of the virtual library here at The BC Centre for Safe Schools and Communities. Since 2007, circulation stats have increased more than ten times.

Report by:
Sheila St. Laurent, Coordinator, Library & Centres' Services
BC Centre for Social Responsibility
BC Centre for Non-Profit Development
BC Centre for Safe Schools & Communities