Seattle Pacific University Library
Orbis Cascade Alliance Summit Borrowing
Software Change to Navigator
Changeover: December 1, 2008  

Update 12/1/2008:

• You may now search and request Summit items using the new Summit Software! (summit.worldcat.org)

Update 11/19/2008:

• Change to visiting patron status: If you go to another Summit library in person to check out materials you will first need to be "adopted" by that library.  The other library should be able to help you with this process, but you will need to be able to log into your SPU library record (this is sometimes called a patron record) to show the other library that you are a valid SPU student. 

• Special note about "adoption" at the University of Washington.  Currently you may only get a local record made at 4 of locations on the University of Washington campus:

  • The Cashier's office in the Suzzallo Library (hours and map)

  • The UW Health Sciences Library (hours and map)

  • UW Bothell Branch Library (hours and map)

  • UW Tacoma Branch Library (hours and map)

   

• The Alliance Library Directors voted and decided to extend the checkout length on the new system to 6 weeks until renewals are available.

Update 11/10/2008:

• As of November 14th renewal requests for Summit items can only be made one day before the item is due.

• All Summit items checked out after November 20th will be due December 12th.

• Please return Summit items as soon as possible, and by December 12th at the latest to ensure a smooth transitions between systems.

Update 11/7/2008:

• (Out of date) Items requested through the New Summit System will have a 4 week checkout.

WHAT
The Orbis Cascade Alliance is changing the software of the Summit borrowing system.  The new software (called “Navigator”) will be an improved, next generation library catalog.  The first libraries to use Navigator are two of America’s leading academic systems, the Orbis Cascade Alliance and the University of California libraries.

WHEN
The new Navigator software will start operating on December 1, 2008.   

WHY DECEMBER
A December 2008 change is necessary because the contract with the current software company is ending.  Changing library software during the academic year is not ideal, but it needs to occur.  All the Orbis Cascade Alliance libraries are working together to make this mid-year transition occur smoothly.  

IMPACT
Because the Navigator software is still being developed, it will be some time before this next-generation catalog has all of its anticipated features. The software will continue to improve after December 1.   

One short-term inconvenience with the new Navigator software is that starting in December 2008 renewals will not be available for books borrowed through Summit.  The software developers know that renewing books is a top priority for Summit users.  Until the renewal feature is ready, the work-around will be:

• Request another copy of the same title before your copy is due, or

• Return your copy, and request it again.

BENEFITS
The shift on December 1 to Navigator is the beginning of a big and positive change for Orbis Cascade Alliance libraries.  We are all part of a new and significant catalog project.  Other libraries will follow the lead of the Orbis Cascade Alliance schools. 

We ask your patience in the weeks that follow the changeover as we all get used to new ways of finding and obtaining books, information, and more.     

QUESTIONS
The SPU Library staff is available to answer any questions you may have about the new Navigator software for the Summit borrowing system.  Questions:

• Check the Orbis Cascade Alliance New Summit Question and Answer Page

• Check the library website at http://spu.edu/library

• Call the library Circulation Desk at 206) 281-2228

• Ask any library staff member.

rev. 10/17/2008