Mid-Continent Public Library
Elevating the library patron experience with simple solutions to complex browsing, research, and integration needs
668,632
Mid-Continent area citizens using I.F. technology
450
Independent databases served by federated search
1
National ranking of the MCPL genealogy research facility
Special Features:
Drupal 10
Fulcrum Hosting
Book Rivers
Advanced Search
Video
Location/Maps
Mid-Continent Public Library was facing a slate of common library challenges. Their users were often required to sign in to various accounts multiple times to access all the library had to offer. And searching for something across the library’s various offerings — catalog, website, research databases, events — was a disjointed and time-consuming experience.
One login to unlock a wealth of resources
Our engineering team created a single sign-on (SSO) experience for Mid-Continent Public Library patrons, bridging Drupal and BiblioCommons, their library catalog, with their events, research databases, and more. Patrons can now sign in once with their library card account information and access a plethora of resources across formerly-disjointed library platforms. We also created an advanced, integrated search that pulls multiple sources into a single stream of results. Patrons can search among the library’s catalog (BiblioCommons), journal articles (EBSCO), website (Drupal), and events (Drupal-based), with a single click. Results appear in an easy-to-scan bento box-style display.
Our post-test data via Voice of Patron® showed that these enhancements improved online patrons’ completion rate and satisfaction when using the search function, particularly for those over the age of 55.
Success factors
- Single sign-on for multiple databases, catalogs, and accounts
- Integrated one-click search
- Appealing “bento box” visual display
National recognition
Our technologically complex but user-friendly solution to Mid-Continent Public Library’s search needs was a hot topic at a DrupalCon 2018 “Birds of a Feather” session.
