Load, link launch

Here are three tips to ignite use of NetLibrary eContent

By Tom Storey

Looking to maximize your NetLibrary eContent usage? Take these steps, and then watch your usage stats grow.

LOAD

Loading MARC records for NetLibrary holdings into your local database enables users to find eContent with your main navigation tool: the catalog! Each OPAC record has a URL in the 856 field that connects users to the digital content. How much will usage increase? Based on OCLC eBook studies, it varies but could be as much as three times with MARC records in the OPAC.

LINK

Creating “deep links” in World Cat puts your NetLibrary eContent one click away on the Web, the place where many users start their research. Search
engines harvest and index OCLC’s WorldCat database, which contains more than 100,000 MARC records for NetLibrary eContent, including a record for each eBook. When these records show up in search engine result lists, and users click them, deep links take users directly to the record in your catalog.

LAUNCH

Launching a promotional campaign will get the word out and create interest in eContent. According to OCLC research, one of the biggest reasons for low use of electronic resources is lack of awareness. Promoting availability will make sure users know that they can get eBooks and eAudiobooks from your library. Try customizing free marketing materials from OCLC or working with a local marketing group.

In 2002 at Texas A&M University, average weekly eBook accesses jumped 533 percent when the library worked with the undergraduate student chapter of the American Advertising Federation on eBook Push Week. More importantly, the campaign appears to have helped build long-term awareness, as usage of the eBook collection more than quadrupled from 2001-2004. Some of the campaign’s advertising materials are still in use today.

Letting users set up access for home and hotspot usage will also help drive additional traffic to your NetLibrary collection. A variety of authentication options are available for remote access, including the NetLibrary Authentication Server, IP authentication, proxy servers and Secure Referring URL. Creating a personal NetLibrary account from any computer authenticated to your library is another way to gain remote access. For more information on maximizing your library’s NetLibrary use, visit the NetLibrary Tips on the OCLC Web site.

Sam Holman | Special delivery