SCONUL Access Contacts’ meeting: website report

1. SCONUL Access Contacts’ meeting: website report Wayne Connolly 3 July 2013

2. SCONUL website upgrade 1 • Initial search to default to list of institutions instead of map • Email notification screen to be cleared automatically • Automatic registration of dates when applications are received or amended • Applicants’ records to be extended to include additional fields: user band; user expiry date; general notes • Emails to users to feed all appropriate fields through from the application form

3. SCONUL website upgrade 2 • New “in progress” status for applicants to be added • Ability to delete pending applications to be added • Functionality to be provided to search the database of applicants by name, institution and ID number • Host libraries to be given access to applicants’ full records • Band R functionality to be improved to inform users of a Reference offer where they are not eligible to borrow

4. Proposed next steps • Use the Access database to check applicants’ eligibility instead of relying on email for identification: • to remove email’s lack of security as proof of entitlement • email response to user can be simpler and shorter • to remove need to produce separate email for Reference users • Use standard SCONUL Access template on Library home websites to provide key information to visitors • (travel arrangements, access arrangements, opening hours, access to e-resources, etc.)

5. Proposed future developments • Host libraries to add their details to users’ individual records on the Access database when they register: • to provide a direct link between home and host libraries on user record • to remove need for blanket emails about defaulting and leaving members • to provide detailed management information on use of the Access scheme