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3.1. Differences between Simple Reports and Traditional Reports

Last Updated 03/21/2023

Ease of Use versus Power and Complexity

The Simple Reports system is primarily focused on ease of use. The Simple Reports interface guides a user through a streamlined reports creation wizard and intentionally curtails the extensive options available in the main Reports interface.

Simple Reports Features

The following are aspects of the Simple Reports interface that are new:

• A completely tab-based interface with no folders or sub-folders.
• Two types of content: reports and output (no templates).
• No settings that allow users to share reports with others.
• A limited number of available fields related to the report type selected.
• Increased control over the ordering of fields and data.
• The ability to save reports without running, and edit the fields or filters.
• Suggested filters and common fields guide the user to create generally functional reports.

Traditional Reports Features

The following are key characteristics of the traditional reporter that are not available in Simple Reports:

• The ability to create folders and subfolders for enhanced organization of templates, reports, and output.
• Sharing settings, allowing users to clone others' templates and run reports off templates owned by others.
• All sources are available for use in any template, and all potential data points are available for use as a field or filter.

Recommended Uses for Each

The Simple Reports interface is intended to provide an alternate access point for running reports in Evergreen and is not intended to replace the main Reports interface. In particular, users in need of complex reports should still make use of the main Reports interface.

The Simple Reports interface includes a shortened list of report types. The initial set was selected as representative of what most frontline staff would need. Recommended reports include:

• Circulation lists and counts
• Collection reports by library, shelving location, circ modifier, and/or item status.
• Shelf lists by shelving location or call number
• Title lists by last circulation date or total number of circulations
• Lists or counts of patrons by library and/or patron type
• Lists of patrons with upcoming or recent expiration dates
• Lists of bills or payments

For more complex reports, staff should utilize the traditional reports system. For help, staff can start by cloning any of the report templates included in the Centralized Reports Templates sub-folder, found in the shared Admin folder.