Using Polaris: Navigating Your ILS Like a Hacker
Download as pptx, pdf2 likes2,506 views
This document provides tips for navigating the Polaris integrated library system like an expert by using keyboard shortcuts instead of the mouse. It suggests finding the workflows that work best for the individual user. Multiple methods are presented for performing common tasks like checking out items and creating patron accounts. Readers are encouraged to be curious, try new things, and share their knowledge with others.
Using Polaris: Navigating Your ILS Like a Hacker
- 1. USING POLARIS Navigating your ILS like a hacker Daniel Messer (@bibrarian) Web Content Manager Maricopa County Library District
- 2. Hello, my name is Dan. Almost 20 years in the library world 17 years in public library circulation Polaris user since ~1999 Technology and FOSS enthusiast Web content enthusiast Podcaster (Cyberpunk Librarian) Author Digital creative (music, illustration, video, etc.)
- 3. Wait, what? I dont want to hack Polaris!
- 4. Oddly enough, hacker has two meanings.
- 5. 1. A person who isnt good at something. 2. A person whos an expert at something.
- 7. This is your PAC, there are many like it but this one is yours.
- 8. You are a professional and this is not your primary tool.
- 9. See this right here? This is the thing youre supposed to use.
- 10. But each tool has its own set of limitations. You ever see this guy use just a single tool?
- 11. Polaris isnt good for everything. Sorry. Remember you have other options besides the PAC and the Polaris Toolbar! Fantastic Fiction Amazon Goodreads Novelist Fan sites And more! You have a lot of tools available to you. Use them!
- 12. The street finds its own uses for things. ~William Gibson Burning Chrome
- 13. In Polaris, there are multiple ways to do almost everything. Check out: Click circulation -> Check Out Press F3 Type ALT R U Click reddish-brown circle and then first icon Create a new patron account: Click File -> New -> Scroll to Patron Record Type ALT F N P Open PowerPAC Profiles Click Administration -> Explorer -> System -> System:LIBRARYNAME -> Profiles -> PowerPAC Type ALT M X S {Right Arrow} {Down Arrow} {Down Arrow} {Tab} {Right Arrow x 4} Yes I totally do this several times per week
- 14. Basically it goes like this If you want to increase the speed at which you use Polaris
- 15. Then stop using your mouse so often.
- 16. The keyboard is your friend. It makes everything faster.
- 17. Tune technology into your way of life and let the technology work for you. ~Knightwise
- 18. Find your flow! Because there are many ways to do something, find the one that works the best for you. No one way is better than another. The user is in control and makes the decision. Yes, that means you can use the mouse if it works best for you. Try new things! Poke the box! Most importantly, share what you know.
- 19. There are shortcuts everywhere! And its totally okay to use them. Polaris shortcuts: Look at your menus on your toolbar Press the ALT key and see what lights up Check out the help menu and documentation Windows shortcuts: CTRL C, X, V (Copy, cut, paste) CTRL Z (Undo) ALT TAB (Switch between applications) Windows D (Minimize all windows) Windows key and start typing
- 20. Intelligence is the ability to avoid doing work, yet getting the work done. ~Linus Torvalds
- 21. You are cordially invited To R.T.F.M
- 22. Be curious. Read widely. Try new things. I think a lot of what people call intelligence just boils down to curiosity. ~Aaron Swartz
- 23. Questions?
- 24. Daniel Messer Web Content Manager danielmesser@mcldaz.org @bibrarian cyberpunklibrarian.com/podcast
- 25. Images thanks to: DC Comics Free Culture Foundation Knightwise The Merry Monk PBS Pixabay Wikimedia Commons