]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=11400
Delight your patrons by alerting them when new titles are ordered by their favorite authors! How does it work? Your patrons compile a list of their favorite authors or performers. When a new title is ordered by your library, Author Alerts sends the patron an email or text message alert. It's that simple. No effort is required of your IT staff. Your active readers are going to love this new service! Visit http://authoralerts.org for details and to start offering this service to your patrons.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=11399 ]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=11115 http://authoralerts.org for more details, to view a live demo or to start using the service at your library. Patrons love Author Alerts!

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]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=10313 ]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=10312 ]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=9303

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=9183 will be blocked if there is a waiting list for the event -- patrons will be directed to contact the library.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=8725 a page on Facebook (like most of the Western world). Postings will include the kinds of news included in this update, plus other tidbits that may or may not be of interest. You can follow us by clicking on the FB logo on the EngagedPatrons home page.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=8724 By now you have likely heard that web developers at Boopsie are creating smartphone apps for libraries. The apps are a bit pricey, but very cool. If your library is considering an app from Boopsie your events listings can easily be integrated into the product. They use RSS for events listings so you can show listings by location, age group or custom event type, if you use those in your calendar.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=8723 Port Townsend (WA) Public Library is featuring EP's Tell My Library Story service on their website and getting some absolutely wonderful responses from their patrons. Definately "show to your stakeholders" material and a great morale booster for library staff to see how much their work is appreciated. If you could use a boost, take a look at http://engagedpatrons.org/TellMyLibraryStory.cfm?SiteID=6359 and click on Show All Stories.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=8687 Engaged Readers, the first online reading program for public libraries with fully-integrated social networking features.

Keep your readers engaged in their reading by letting them interact with other readers and library staff as they create and share book lists, reviews, comments, follow fellow readers and more.

Engaged Readers can be implemented as the online facet of your summer or winter reading program or offered year-around. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

This service is currently in beta testing at: <a href="http://engagedpatrons.org/beta">http://engagedpatrons.org/beta</a>. Watch this space for an announcement that the service is ready to go or leave your email on the beta page to get notified.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=8068 here. Do you have a local database you would like to make searchable on the web? Contact us for more details.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=8067 Computers in Libraries includes an article describing how EngagedPatrons RSS feeds and Yahoo! Pipes can be combined to create a dynamic list of library events that can be embedded in the library's website. The article was written by Melissa Widner at Jasper County Public Library. See the library's home page to see the Pipes widget in action and read the article for all the details.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=7451 Libraries that charge admission to some events can now accept credit card payments online via PayPal. The payment is credited to the library's PayPal account and the registration list is automatically updated to show that payment has been received for that patron. There is a one-time setup fee of $100 to add this capability to your account. Contact support@engagedpatrons.org for details.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=7450 Have an occasional problem with patrons signing up twice for the same event? Now the registration program checks for duplicate registrations and blocks patrons who are signing up twice for the same event. Thanks to Alaina Dowd at Sayreville (NJ) Public Library for suggesting and testing this new feature.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=6524 The View My Events feature released in late January has now been expanded to allow patrons to track any and all upcoming events that might interest them, not only those for which they are registered. To enhance patron privacy, users will now be prompted for a password along with their email address to access their Events.
In addition, new social features have been added to View My Events. Patrons can email their event listings to a friend, or post their library events to Facebook, Twitter or delicious.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=6319 Patrons now have the option of viewing all the event registrations associated with their email address. After clicking the new View My Events link at the top of the Events page the patron is prompted for their email address. If the patron has registered for upcoming events (and included their email address) their events will be listed in tabular form on the results page. Patrons have the option to cancel their registration by clicking the Cancel Reservation button next to each event. The cancel option is not available if the event has a waiting list. Email confirmation messages sent when patrons register will include a link to this new feature.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=6318 The WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editing software used to enter and enhance blog posts and events descriptions has been updated. The most useful improvement is automatic spell checking, which works much like Microsoft Word. You can right-click on misspelled word to get a suggested spelling.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=6261 cloning, etc.) click on the new View Past Events button at the top of the page. Thanks to the EP members who suggested and provided feedback on this new feature.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=6260 ]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=4876 Now libraries using the events service have the option of placing a small calendar widget on their home page to alert patrons to upcoming events at the library. Dates with events scheduled are highlighted on the calendar. Clicking the date displays library events being held on that date.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=4537

 

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=4536 Clone Events
In response to a member suggestion, you can now easily "clone" a new event listing from an existing listing. To clone an event, view the list of your current events in the Client Center. Click the new clone icon on the next to each existing listing. A new event data entry screen appears with the title and description of the event already filled in for you.

Add to Calendar
This new link, which appears with each events listing, allows your patrons to add a library event to their personal electronic calendar. Supported calendars include Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar, Apple's iCalendar and more.

Color Coding for Events
Using the new calendar view for your events calendar? Interesting in color coding your events listings to make them easier for your patrons to browse for events of interest? Contact us for more details. View an example from Jasper County Public Library.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=4506 ]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=4163 Over the past several weeks, we've been beta testing a calendar display option for events listings. About a dozen member libraries have been putting the new code through its paces and offering suggestions for improvements (as well as helping squash bugs).

I'm pleased to announce that the calendar option is now available to all member libraries. To enable this option for your library:

* Log in to the Client Center
* Click on Edit Settings under the Library Events heading
* Select "Enable Calendar Option" (at the bottom of the page

You can see a preview here on our demonstration site. To see what it might look like for your event listings, simply replace the word "Events" with "EventsCalendar" in your URL.

NOTE: Some additional data entry is required on the part of your library's staff to create an accurate calendar -- the date and time for each occurrance of ongoing or multi-date events. Staff will be presented with an additional screen in which to enter the individual dates. You can preview what this will look like by viewing this screencast:

http://engagedpatrons.org/screencasts/CalendarScreenCast.swf

(if the file does not play automatically, save it to your desktop then click and drag it into a browser window). Feel free to share the screencast with others at your library.

Thank you to all the beta libraries for your assistance and patience during the beta process.
 

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=3775 In response to member requests, we've been working on a calendar display of your events listings. You can see a preview here on our demonstration site. Members currently using the events service can see what it might look like for your event listings – simply replace the word "Events" with "EventsCalendar" in your URL.

The calendar display will be offered as an option for libraries that wish to use it. Some additional data entry is required on the part of library staff to create an accurate calendar, so new and existing members will be asked if you want to "opt in".

As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions on new features!

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=3773 ]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=3774 that ever happen!?

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=2224 ]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=2223 ]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=1695 View an example built for Whatcom County Library System. Contact us for more information.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=1694
Thanks to Sheila Maxwell, Jasper County Public Library, for this suggestion!

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]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=768 By default, event registrations open at midnight on the registration date. If you this is working for your library, no changes are necessary on your part.

Member libraries who wish to set registration to open at a specific time of the day may now do so. Some libraries with high -demand events may want registration to become available online at the same time as phone or in-person registration, for example at the same time as the library opens for the day.

If you have events currently in the database for which you wish to change the registration time, log in to the Client Center and click on "Edit/Delete Events".

If you have any questions about this new option, please don't hesitate to ask.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=710 A new option has been added to your Library settings enabling you to track admission fees while registering patrons for events. Once admission tracking is enabled for your account, you can turn on admission tracking on an event-by-event basis.

To enable admission tracking for your library:
1) log in to the Client Center;
2) click on Edit Settings under Library Events;
3) scroll to the bottom of the page. In the Online Registration section, select "Need to track admission fees for selected events" and click the Continue button.
4) click through the remaining screens to save your changes

This upgrade to the Events service is offered at no additional charge. If you need assistance with this option or have questions contact us at support@engagedpatrons.org

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=238 Patrons will see your categories listed on the right-hand sidebar of your blog. Clicking on a category will display all posts assigned to that category.

Use categories to allow your patrons to easily browse your postings by topic. For example, you might create categories for library news, staff reading suggestions, etc.

There is no limit to the number of categories you can create!

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=150 talks about getting her library up and running on the Library Events module.

Kelli tells me this week that her local community website is displaying the free RSS feed of her library’s events. She’s getting her library’s presence out into the community. Great job, Kelli!

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=96 > I work for a library system and am preparing a
> presentation to inspire our librarians to try
> out new web technologies in their libraries...is
> there any chance I could have access, even if
> temporary, to an account, so I could put
> together an example site, etc. for this presentation?

If you would also like to demo EP services to your libraries in your system, cooperative or consortium, please feel free to set up a free demonstration account.

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=62 John, David, Sarah, Peter, Marlene, Michael, Meredith, DrWeb, Luke, Jessamyn, Steven, Mickey, Gary, Ruth, and others. (If I missed you, please feel free to add a comment below.)

]]> glenn@engagedpatrons.org http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1&BlogID=1&BlogPostID=36 EngagedPatrons.org provides web services for public library websites. We enable you to offer events listings, blogs and more on your website, no programming required!

The pages you create on our site "plug into" your existing web site. We do the programming for you; you reap the benefits of being able to offer your users a more engaging and interactive web presence.

EP services are designed to be integrated into the look and feel of your website. To your users, it appears they have never left your site!

Watch this space for updates on developments at EP or grab our RSS feed.

I’d love to hear your suggestions. Feel free to leave them here or send a note.

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