Introduction
Knowing what titles are currently popular at your library will be useful for multiple activities at your library. A good ILS will not only give you the tools to identify those items, but also to feature them.
Circulation Statistics
Of course, circulation statistics are the key to finding out what is trending at your library. Reports can be run to find the most-circulated items. However, if an ILS has a built-in feature that shows you the top titles, that will save you time and give you up-to-date information you can use to pique your patrons’ interests. Having the option to automatically list these items on your OPAC and to have the list refresh at a scheduled time allows you to display and update that information by changing settings and letting the ILS do the work for you.
Collection Development and Resource Management
Seeing trending titles on the ILS’ login page helps staff to be aware of what is currently popular. Staff also get information that will help them with collection development by observing what subjects, authors, and genres are being borrowed by multiple patrons.
Most ILS packages have a function that allows patrons to place holds on items and get on a “waiting list”. Knowing the number of patrons waiting for an item gives data needed to make decisions such as adjusting loan rules, holds limits, renewals, and creating categories for new items. Staff can also use the data to help decide whether or not to purchase multiple copies of bestsellers.
Promoting Other Resources
Using reporting functions to determine what authors, subjects, and genres can also be used to promote other resources in your library. Making a physical display or a virtual display on your OPAC with materials by the same or related authors, subjects, etc. can help those items get noticed by patrons. An example would be “If you like (popular item), you might also like (similar item).”
Conclusion
It is often a challenge to manage popular items and find easy ways to highlight them. Using your ILS’ tools can not only make day-to-day operation easier, but also provide you with creative ways to publicize your resources and reach your patrons.
About Surpass Software
Surpass is the easy-to-use, cloud-based library management system for libraries of all types and sizes. Whether you’re a school, church, museum, business, or any other organization with resources to lend, Surpass is likely a good fit for you. We pride ourselves on being affordable and flexible, with an expert support team ready to help you at a moment’s notice.
Schedule a free demo to see Surpass in action.
