A new way of finding research materials has come to Lander University's Larry A. Jackson Library.
As of July 1, library patrons are now able to access all print and digital sources, not only within the Jackson Library, but also within 54 other libraries in the state, by using the same Discovery Platform.
The new, shared system is the result of an agreement between the 55 members of PASCAL, the Partnership Among South Carolina Academic Libraries.
According to PASCAL, the new system of cataloging library materials "represents an important step in collaboration. It will improve our efficiencies through shared services and cloud-based opportunities; allow institutions to better manage print and digital collections; and increase our analytic capabilities. A shared platform provides the greatest opportunity and flexibility for sharing resources and services that will support students, faculty, and staff at all our member institutions."
Because of the large amount of data that had to be migrated and configured, it took more than a year to switch the Jackson Library over to the new system, according to Lisa Wiecki, director of Library Services. All Lander librarians and library staff have had specialized training in using the new system, and a new Discovery Librarian, Casey Anthony, has been hired.
Wiecki said that Anthony "has a passion for information literacy, so stop by and let her help you to navigate our myriad of resources."
According to Wiecki, the new system will be "a huge improvement" over the online catalog used in the past, which included only print sources. Now users will be able to view all of the library's holdings in one place, along with those of other libraries, too.
"We're really excited to unveil this powerful research tool," she said.