Question: What is the SEO Library Consortium?
Answer: The SEO (Serving Every Ohioan) Service Center, located in Caldwell, is a division of the State Library of Ohio, which supports a consortium of 95 Library systems at 241 physical locations throughout 49 counties across Ohio using the OPLIN network. SEO supports a centralized shared catalog database that includes over 8.1 million items with a patron database of nearly one million users, with an annual circulation of over 15 million.
Question: Why is Rodman Public Library joining SEO?
Answer: The Rodman Public Library Board of Trustees and Administration is always working to provide the best possible value to our patrons. Joining SEO will result in a cost savings of over $45,000 per year over the library’s current catalog and resource-sharing solution. While this solution is less costly, Rodman Public Library cardholders will continue to receive the same high level of service and access to materials.
Question: Do any nearby libraries belong to SEO?
Answer: In Stark County, Minerva Public Library and Canal Fulton Public Library are SEO member libraries. In addition, Louisville Public Library will be joining SEO at the same time as Rodman Public Library. Once Rodman Public Library is officially a member of SEO, you will be able to use your Rodman Public Library card at any SEO member library, and return items from Rodman Public Library to these libraries. You will also be able to return items from any other SEO library to Rodman Public Library.
Question: When will this happen?
Answer: The following is a timeline of important dates related to this change:
- November 5: Last day for placing holds for Louisville or Rodman items.
- November 6-11: No holds can be placed, but items may be checked out. Staff does not have access to patron accounts during this time. You must bring your card if you wish to check out during this time. Items returned between November 2-8 will not be checked in until November 12. Items returned November 9 and later will be checked in following the four-day quarantine.
- November 12: Go live with the new system! Holds may be placed, materials may be checked out, and you will have access to your account online as usual.
Question: Do I need to get a new library card?
Answer: No, you do not need a new library card. Your Rodman Public Library card will get you immediate access to all you need. If you already use a four-digit PIN with your card, there is no change. However, if you do not currently have a PIN, one has been assigned to you, using the last four digits of your phone number. If you are unable to access your account, please contact the library- we are happy to help!
Question: What can I expect during the transition?
Answer: The library catalog will look different, and with any change, there is a period of adjustment. If you ever have questions or need help using the new catalog, either at home or while you are at the library, please ask our friendly staff. We are happy to help! Keep in mind that this will be a new system to the library staff. Although they will have received training, library transactions may take a little longer as staff becomes familiar with the new system. We ask for your patience during this time.
Question: Will I lose any services I already use?
Answer: If you keep a list of the items that you have checked out in our system, called a Reader History, this list will not transfer to the new system. We can print out what you have read if you would like to keep a copy of that information. Please request this information by November 5th. This same service will be available in the new system and it will begin tracking as soon as you opt-in. You may also use an online site like Goodreads.com to keep track of your reading history, write reviews, and find new titles to read and enjoy.
Question: Will it look the same when I search for books and materials?
Answer: No, the search page that you are currently used to on the Rodman Library website and the new search page will look slightly different. You can search all SEO member libraries, or you can limit your search to Rodman Public Library. You can also limit your search to the Bookmobile, Branch Library, or the Main Library. You can search by keyword (or “All Fields), title, author, or subject, and there is also an advanced search option. There is also a Kids Catalog, as well as something called The Reading Room, which allows you to search by Lexile or Accelerated Reader Levels. If you need assistance, there will be video tutorials available under “Catalog Help”
Question: Will I still have access to digital services like hoopla and the Ohio Digital Library?
Answer: Yes! Digital services you’ve come to know and love will still remain easily accessible before, during, and after the transition to join SEO. Go ahead and download or stream away!