Volume 3, Issue 2, Spring 2002

Library Enhances Online Catalog with New Voyager System

The Library will enhance its online catalog this fall with a new web-based system called Voyager. Offering more rapid and reliable search capabilities, Voyager will be implemented in phases beginning this spring.

Like the current system, Voyager will offer access to items at the University Library as well as 43 other ILCSO* libraries-members of a consortium of Illinois libraries that share an online catalog, ILLINET Online. Utilizing web-based technology, Voyager will improve access to consortial holdings by allowing the user to more efficiently search, find, and borrow materials. It also will provide more timely mutual access to library materials at the University of Illinois at Chicago and schools in the CIC (Committee on Institutional Cooperation), an academic consortium composed of Big Ten institutions and the University of Chicago .

"A key advantage of Voyager will be its integration with other Library systems," explains Bob Burger, associate university librarian for services. "Our acquisitions and serials units will be able to enter new materials into one database rather than several, which will minimize error and increase the speed at which items are processed-providing users with better and quicker access." This will include the Library's holdings of unbound journals, which will be searchable online immediately after receipt.

The transition to the new system began on March 22, when the Library extracted its records for conversion into Voyager format. From this date until the end of June, newly cataloged materials will not be viewable in the Library's online catalog, and users will need to contact their librarians to locate these items. Beginning in late June, the Voyager system will be operational for the University Library's holdings only-for online access to consortial materials, users will need to rely on interlibrary loan services. According to current projections, the transition will be complete by mid-August, and borrowing from other ILCSO libraries via ILLINET Online will again be operational.

* Illinois Library Computer Systems Organization

Voyager Time Line for Spring-Summer 2002

March-June                Conversion in process-contact your librarian for the location of new materials

Late June                   Conversion complete for University Library's holdings-for access to ILCSO materials, contact your librarian for interlibrary loan services

End of June                Conversion complete for all ILCSO libraries

For further information about Voyager and changes in the online catalog, visit: 

http://www.library.uiuc.edu/voyagerweb/voyagerfaq.htm