Q1. Did you use the "Search" or the "Search with limits" page?

Q2. If you used the Search page, which of the searches listed in the dropdown search box did you use?

Q3. Did you find what you wanted?

• 72% said Yes
• 28% said No

Q4. If you weren't able to find the item you wanted, click all that apply.

Q5. Have you successfully placed a request for an item and received a notice when the item was ready for pick up?

Q6. Have you used your library account to see when items are due, renew them, or check the status of requested items?

• 86% said Yes
• 14% said No

Q8. Did you use the searching Q & A?

• 12% said Yes
• 88% said No

Q9. If you used the Searching Q&A, did you find it helpful?

Q10. How does the Ventura County Library Online Catalog meet your needs?

Some general themes emerged in survey responses. Many of you requested:

• A shorter method of logging in.
• When the 14 digit barcode was first implemented, no one foresaw its future use. However, we are working on this and may have a solution sooner than later! 
• A link back to the webpage so you can look up library locations, etc.
• For those of you accessing the catalog outside of the library, a link is now in the upper left hand corner of the webpage. Once back at the website (www.vencolibrary.org), click “Library Locations & Hours” for library addresses, directions and hours.
• When you are inside the library at a catalog computer, for Internet security reasons, we do not provide links to websites, even our own. You may use a public Internet computer to access our website or ask library staff for assistance.
• The time-out function be lengthened
• The time out function provides privacy and security for patrons searching catalog computers inside of the library. Because our catalog software allows only one setting for all patrons, the time-out will continue to be short.
• More than 10 titles display on the results page.
• There were numerous complaints that the longer lists took too long to load. We are "watching" this - please continue to let us know what you think. The software will allow for up to 50 results per page.
• Different aspects of features on the “My List” function
• The “My List” is a courtesy feature provided by the manufacturer of our catalog software. We cannot guarantee your list will be exempt from corruption or loss, nor can we add any functions to the lists.
• Our recommendation: patrons should periodically email their lists to themselves in case of data loss.  We also invite patrons to check out online book tracking tools such as Shelfari and Goodreads to help keep track of books read.
• We are exploring additional tools to use in the future - stay tuned!
• Clarification about the Search Q & A and the language used for the search names
• A browse search returns an alphabetical list while a keyword search seeks to match your search terms to pieces of data in the item's record.
• We recommend: if you know the EXACT title of the item you are searching for, use Title Browse. If you're not sure of the EXACT title, use Title Keyword. Same with authors name. The catalog uses the Library of Congress approved subject list, not common subject words, so the best technique for subject searching is the Subject Keyword search.
• To filter searches beyond the categories listed in the dropdown, try the “search with limits.” Follow the written directions on that page. We are considering the additional limits requested.
• We do, indeed, know how to spell the word “received”; we applaud your eagle eyes and apologize for the mis-spelling within the survey!

We encourage your continued feedback. Library Technology Services works with library staff, the catalog software vendor and County IT to bring you the best service possible. Thank you for your time.