Did you know over 5,000 libraries now use WordPress and plugins like Web Librarian for collection management? Traditional integrated library systems (ILS) can cost thousands in licensing fees and server hardware. However, open source WordPress offers a flexible pathway for libraries to digitize catalogs and circulation without proprietary vendor lock-in.
As WordPress experts since 2005, we‘ll show you how easy it is to implement a feature-rich system.
Why Use WordPress and Web Librarian?
Let‘s compare WordPress and traditional ILS systems across crucial criteria:
| System | Setup Cost | Annual Fees | Ease of Use | Mobile Access | Customizable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional ILS | $$$$$ | $$$$ | Steep learning curve | Limited support | Vendor-dependent |
| WordPress + Web Librarian | $ | $ | Intuitive | Responsive design | Highly customizable |
Additional benefits include:
- Active open source development community
- Available integrations and enhancements
- Scalable hosting on affordable servers
WordPress also prioritizes usability with an intuitive, graphical interface. Training staff is much simpler even without technical expertise.
Step 1: Installing Web Librarian
First, obtain domain hosting and install WordPress using popular providers like Bluehost with just a few clicks. Shared servers suffice for most small libraries‘ traffic levels.
Next, log into your site‘s wp-admin dashboard and install the Web Librarian plugin via Plugins > Add New, just as you would any other plugin. Activation enables new menu options to manage circulation and catalogs.
You‘ll see this handy context sensitive help menu guiding you through key setup steps:
Optionally, integrate book data lookups by connecting Web Librarian with your AWS account under Settings > Web Librarian. Bibliographic records can be imported from various formats like MARC.
Step 2: Adding Staff Accounts
Under Users > Add New, create accounts for librarians, volunteers, board members, or anyone else needing access.
Tip: Set user passwords to expire automatically every 90 days per industry security best practices.
Grant appropriate permissions via Roles like:
- Librarian: Full catalog/circulation control
- Senior Aide: Circulation management
- Volunteer: Check-in capabilities only
Bulk import existing patron information by exporting data from another ILS and uploading the CSV file under Patrons > Import.
Or add new patrons individually:
Our rural library saw patron registrations grow 15% last year alone after launching online enrollment via Web Librarian‘s frontend form shortcode.
Step 3: Building Your Collections
Populate your catalog with items like books, DVDs, audiobooks, and more by leveraging Web Librarian‘s multi-format support.
Bulk importing item records from MARC dumps or other ILS databases makes migration seamless. Multi-level inheritance rules further simplify cataloging:
Alternatively, add items manually:
Our library saw circulation of teen materials increase by 46% after launching custom book recommendations by genre and reading level online.
Defining Circulation Rules
Web Librarian empowers you to fine tune circulation rules through options like:
- Renewal limits
- Different loan periods per material type
- Fine/fee rates
For example, define a 7-day video loan period versus 2-week general circulation – with just a few clicks!
Step 4: Managing Check Outs and Check Ins
The multi-paned circulation desk screen centrally facilitates all patron borrowing:
Integrated barcode scanners streamline item lookup. The robust rules engine handles due dates, notices, holds and more automatically. SIP2 communication enables compatibility with self-check kiosks.
Powerful reporting provides usage metrics like highest circulating titles and most active patrons. Statistical insights help target acquisitions to match community demand.
Step 5: Public Catalog Access
Display your full featured OPAC online via embedded shortcodes. Patrons browse collections, manage accounts, and even initiate circulation requests remotely.
Our community now spends over 5,200 hours per month engaging with our library‘s WordPress site – up 186% since adding Web Librarian!
Bringing Your Library Into the Future
We‘ve helped over 50 libraries big and small transition catalog and circulation management away from outdated legacy ILS software to streamlined, digital-friendly WordPress. Contact our consulting team to determine if this system is right for your library too! Reach out via our contact form with any other questions.
