Sp10488Catalog

Destiny Online Library Catalog By Jonette Doeden Destiny is the library catalog produced by Follett. It is fully integrated with other Destiny Resource Management Solution modules. This system enables librarians to quickly and easily process new books so that they will be available to library patrons. The Destiny System connects all libraries within the school district and library patrons are able to access all of the books in all of the libraries.

Destiny shows books available at all district schools, thereby increasing the number of books available to each student. It has an easy to use search page with both picture and word icons. The user has the ability to search by keyword, title, author, subject, or series. The narrowed searches page includes Location, Award Winner, and Reading Programs.

The Destiny Quest page provides information on Top 10 Books, Resource Lists, and New Arrivals. The user has the ability to create “My List” by selecting and saving book choices. The search and advance search engines offer many more options: author, subject, genre, Accelerated Reader, series, review rating, awards, publication year, extent-pages, extent-length, language, format, location.

The Resource List option provides the user with an opportunity to make lists of resources. This can be done whether the user is logged on to Destiny or not. The lists are private and cannot be viewed by other users, unless the list creator makes the list public. The lists can be sorted in various ways and can be edited and printed. There is an excellent help tab which answers many frequently asked questions and walks the user through the options. The help tab is user friendly and easily accessed.

The Library Search page provides search topics such as basic, power, visual, copy categories, number, barcode, and brief records. It provides a help window with many topics that enable a user to more efficiently find topics and books. It provides an in depth reference for users, covering simple questions about word spellings to more complex inquiries such as, “What if my list is too short?”.

Destiny is web based so it can be used from any Internet connected computer. This allows parents and students to choose books from home and to check on what is newly available at the library. The program is image rich with book covers pictured in the search list. Information is included such as the number of copies available, where the copies are located, a description of the book, and the book’s reading and interest level. There are links that connect the reader to pre-selected, teacher approved, grade leveled WebPages that correspond to the subject of the book that the reader selected. Destiny also makes suggestions of other subjects that are related to the selected book. A direct link takes the reader to a new list of options. Destiny can also create a bibliography from a book list with the touch of one button.

In closing we feel the Destiny catalog is an excellent resource for school librarians. It provides an opportunity for all students in the district to take advantage of all of the books available throughout the district. It is user friendly for librarians, teachers, students, and parents. The ability to personalize searches, lists, and page setups encourages students to interact with the program. Destiny helps transform libraries into knowledge centers that drive information literacy. It strengthens the library-to-classroom connection and expands the library’s scope beyond “normal” operating hours.

Follett Software Company (2007). Destiny Library Manager. Retrieved from http://www.follettsoftware.com/_files/fsc/file/cms/10533A_ProductBrch_Library_SnglPgs_FINAL_11_07.pdf

Welcome to Helena School District 1 (2002-2009). Retrieved from http://destiny.hsd1.org/