1. Library Elf Tech Talk presented by South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative November 15, 2006 Ralph Bingham Technology Librarian Gloucester County Library rbingham@gcls.org856.223.6045

2. What is Library Elf? What is Library Elf? Why Library Elf? Why Library Elf? How does Library Elf work? How does Library Elf work? Privacy vs. Convenience Privacy vs. Convenience Promoting Library Elf Promoting Library Elf

3. What is Library Elf? “Elf is a [free] web-based and email tool for library users to keep track of their library borrowings.” “Elf is a [free] web-based and email tool for library users to keep track of their library borrowings.” Helps patrons manage library loans and holds Helps patrons manage library loans and holds Can send Email, SMS and RSS alerts Can send Email, SMS and RSS alerts Can track multiple cards under one account Can track multiple cards under one account Created by an independent software developer in Canada Created by an independent software developer in Canada

4. http://www.libraryelf.com

6. Why did GCLS choose Library Elf? A Patron requested notification of materials that were coming due A Patron requested notification of materials that were coming due Our ILS does not offer features that Elf provides Our ILS does not offer features that Elf provides Patrons have control of account sign- up and management Patrons have control of account sign- up and management Simple solution Simple solution Used by other libraries Used by other libraries

7. How does Library Elf Work? Patron signs up for a free account Patron signs up for a free account –Chooses library from a list or requests it be added to Elf –Enters library card number and PIN (if applicable) –Chooses notification methods and schedule

8. http://www.libraryelf.com/signup.aspx

21. Privacy vs. Convenience Patrons voluntarily provide library card numbers and PINs Patrons voluntarily provide library card numbers and PINs Elf’s Privacy Policy states that Elf’s Privacy Policy states that Unless ordered by court order, we will not sell, rent, disclose or otherwise make available your email address or other personal information to any outside party. History not saved History not saved Cookies used to track account logins Cookies used to track account logins RSS file saved on server and can be viewed by public aggregators RSS file saved on server and can be viewed by public aggregators

22. http://www.libraryelf.com/privacy.aspx

24. Promoting Library Elf We requested a Library Elf logo file and created a banner graphic We requested a Library Elf logo file and created a banner graphic Library Elf provided text for our Library Elf webpage Library Elf provided text for our Library Elf webpage Library Elf provided a Custom URL to make patron signups easier. Library Elf provided a Custom URL to make patron signups easier.

25. http://www.gcls.org