Home → About NC Cardinal → Annual Reports and Surveys → 2024-2025 Annual Survey Responses
Last Updated 07/16/2025
Thank you to everyone that submitted a response to our annual Staff Survey.
Each year, we ask the following questions at the end of the survey.
Please share your top three requests for changes, improvements, or additions you'd like to see the NC Cardinal team focus on next year.
Please share any other feedback you have.
Your thoughtful and detailed comments are invaluable in helping us identify areas for improvement and focus our efforts in the year ahead. We go through each of your responses and address every comment as best as we can. The comments are grouped by subject, with individual comments bulleted followed by Cardinal’s responses. By publicly sharing our responses, we hope you can learn from the suggestions and questions your peers ask, and discover resources you might not have known about.
The Cardinal team endeavors to address every concern. Some things we can answer immediately, some become projects for the year ahead, others may take more research or investigation. Some suggestions related to Evergreen are outside our direct control, so we try to make this clear in our response. The Evergreen software that we support has been created and developed by a large community. Since it is open source software, we have the ability to make some customizations to the software itself. We also have the ability to alter configurations, set policies and improve the cataloging data we have in Evergreen to make it work better for the Cardinal community. Some core parts of the software, like the search process and the reporter, are deeply integrated into the software and not as easy for us to customize. We will often add a bug or wishlist item to LaunchPad (https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen). Launchpad is the official tool for the larger Evergreen community to report software problems, suggest improvements, and track the progress of improvements. If your suggestion matches an existing Launchpad request, we'll provide a link so you can follow its progress. We encourage you to create a free account on Launchpad to comment, "add heat" (express support), or monitor the status of these issues. For more details on how you can "add heat", see this Knowledge Book page: https://nccardinalsupport.org/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=953
We understand that sometimes our replies may not cover everything you're addressing in your feedback. If you wish to provide further details, clarify a suggestion, or follow up on an issue, please email us at help@nccardinalsupport.org. Screenshots of error messages, barcodes for patrons or items, TCNs, and other specific details can significantly help us understand and resolve the issue.
Thank you again for your feedback and for helping us continuously improve Evergreen and the support we offer to you and your patrons.
General Comments:
More leniency with the wording needed to bring back relevant results
Spell Check corrections within Evergreen
Title searches: often times, being off by one character or punctuation mark can skew a search.
Friendlier keyword searches in the search catalog. It’s has to be too specific currently
Probably an Evergreen request, but: Better subject searchability in catalog
A way to see a list of all subjects in your library
Ability to increase the menu size for options in advanced item search
Better Subject Search
Catalog Searches seem to be inconsistent
Improve Catalog search
Make the search function more user friendly
More intuitive search capability within Evergreen
catalog searches often include unrelated subjects and/or titles
Catalog searches
Filtering the material better by very specific category.
More filters or search functions for the catalog
Improve the ease of searching for a book by age. For example having to maneuver to highlight both YA and Juv.
better keyword searches for materials
Cardinal Response:
We appreciate the feedback on Evergreen's search functionality and will continue to advocate with Evergreen's developer community for improvements based on your suggestions. Evergreen's search functionality is one of the most deeply embedded elements of the software and we as the Cardinal team have limited ability to alter its behavior. Some of the efforts we've made recently involve redefining some of the formats to better exclude electronic resources and batch edits to bib records to improve their consistency and findability. For most of the core functionalities of the search experience, we're reliant on improvements by the larger Evergreen development community.
Comment:
In the angular portion of the catalog, the drop down menus close when you center click on a selection. This means that if I want half a dozen instances of the same item opened, I am inconvenienced. I have to use non-angular portions of the catalog for that to work the way I want.
Cardinal Response:
While researching this comment, we've been unable to reproduce what you're describing. We'd appreciate if you could reach out to us at help@nccardinalsupport.org so that we can figure out what you're encountering.
Comment:
In the staff side of the catalog, I don't like that you have to click on "Staff View" for details. That should all be visible like in the patron side.
Cardinal Response:
We recommend setting Staff View as your default view. You can do this by selecting the Staff View tab and the clicking the dark grey Set Default View button on the righthand side of the screen. Once you have done this, whenever you open a bib record it will automatically open on the Staff View.
Comment:
More accurate search results for titles and authors
Cardinal Response:
When you perform a Title and/or Author search, you will also receive results where the title and author appear in other fields within a MARC record besides just the =245 and =100 fields, respectively. So you may receive a result where the title you searched for appears in a =505$t field, or the author you searched for appears in a =700$a field. This is why it may seem like you are receiving results that have nothing to do with the title or author for which you searched.
Comment:
Please fix the glitch where if you try to search "Publication Year" "Is", the search doesn't complete. (It used to work.)
Cardinal Response:
While researching this comment, we've been unable to reproduce what you're describing. We'd appreciate if you could reach out to us at help@nccardinalsupport.org so that we can troubleshoot the issue.
Comment:
When searching for an item where only one result shows up and it brings me to the Record Summary page, there is no way to add that item to a basket. It would be nice for that to be included.
Cardinal Response:
We can change the Library Setting for your library so when you only receive one result from a search it does not automatically take you to the record summary. This will allow you to add it to a basket from the search results.
Additionally, we recommend you add heat to this Launchpad bug to have the option to add a record to a basket from the bib record: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/1949222
Comment:
Ways to search entirely by shelving location in the catalog without requiring a search term
Cardinal Response:
We've submitted a wishlist bug for this: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/2116281
Comment:
More organic searching with community tag capability
Cardinal Response:
We'd be interested to learn more about your ideas about community tags. Are you familiar with the Digital Bookplates functionality? Are you referring to something that patrons would add/edit? We'd welcome your feedback at help@nccardinalsupport.org
Comment:
Improve title search technology (I typically search all titles under keyword.)
Cardinal Response:
We recommend performing a Title search for titles rather than a Keyword search, because a Keyword search will look at an entire record for any of the words you enter, while a Title search will specifically search title fields in the record for the specific string of words you enter. This precision may have its downsides if you're unsure of the exact title, but in general it should be quicker.
Comment:
I would love to see a collapsible panel of the filters at the left (Personal author, corporate author, topic subject, etc.). They fill up the top of the screen when the catalog window is reduced and can make searching tricky, especially when making book lists.
Add more sticky features for the catalog search (ex. format & catalog field)
Cardinal Response:
We'll add this to our project list to see if we can create a custom solution.
Comment:
Sorting search results based on whether we have items attached doesn't seem to work
Cardinal Response:
We'd be interested to learn more about what you're experiencing. Are you seeing this in the staff search interface or the public OPAC search?
Comment:
Just like you can search for patrons by different criteria, Evergreen needs the ability to locate materials on an item holding/record level. This is first ILS I have used that only gives you the ability to search at the bib record level. All other ILSs used allow you to search within the ILS by different item record/holding criteria.
Cardinal Response:
We'd be interested to learn more. What kinds of information would it search on, something like item notes or call numbers?
Comments Related to Excluding Electronic Resources:
Making "Exclude Electronic Resources" sticky or permanent (maybe make it "include electronic resources" instead)
"Exclude electronic resources" box should stay checked!!
Exclude Electronic Resources! Would love for that to be constant!
Please fix the exclude electronic resources feature to be sticky and really the default if so chosen
I want to have a sticky setting to exclude electronic resources
Would like the "Exclude Electronic Resources" button to be sticky
Cardinal Response:
Other users in the Evergreen community have also identified this as a concern. We recommend adding heat to this Launchpad bug so that it receives more attention: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/2101894
Comment:
take e books out of the catalog
Cardinal Response:
While we can't completely remove e-book records from the catalog for everyone, we can configure records so that they don't appear in your catalog search results. If this is something you would like us to do, please submit a help ticket. We've recently found a scenario that causes e-resource records to show up in search results of libraries that do not want to see them and are working to fix that issue. If you're not familiar with it, selecting the "Exclude Electronic Resources" checkbox when performing a search in the catalog will help to exclude many of them.
Comment:
The exclude Electronic Resource button should exclude all electronic resources, not just some which it currently does. Also, that button should have the ability to be sticky so when you press it once in the morning, it stays all day.
Excluding electronic resources still doesn't seem like it works
Cardinal Response:
If you could provide some specific examples where electronic resources are still appearing in search results even when the "Exclude Electronic Resources" box is checked, it would help us with narrowing down what might be causing the issue. We've made updates this past year to improve this functionality, and in our tests we have not seen electronic resources appearing when we perform searches on our end. It could be an issue of how the records are cataloged or the feature may be missing a key piece of information that it should be looking for. As to the option of making the checkbox sticky, we recommend you add heat to this Launchpad bug so that it receives more attention: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/2101894
General Comments:
I would love to see a serious overhaul of the patron facing search experience. It's opaque, confusing, and patrons are very reluctant to make use of it.
More user-friendly patron facing catalog
OPAC overhaul or mobile app
Cardinal Response:
We're open to suggestions on things that could be done to make the interface more user friendly.
Comment:
Would also love some improvements to the user side of the site. Its clunky and reminiscent of the internet 20 years ago. I also notice patrons struggling to figure out which call number info goes with which catalog record.
Cardinal Response:
After reviewing the Staff Survey comments this year, the Cardinal team has been talking about undertaking a project to gather feedback on the OPAC and how we could update it. We've got some ideas for improvements. Keep an eye out on Basecamp for more details.
Comment:
I also ask for this every year: I cannot read the shelving location filters in the catalogue because the box is too small and I cannot read the entire line.
Cardinal Response:
This is something that we've investigated in the past that is challenging due to the way the page is designed. We will make a project plan to circle back to it this year.
General Comments:
Improve kids OPAC- not visually appealing and difficult to navigate and understand
It would be great to have KIDS MODE. I found somewhere online in another consortia's knowledge books that they had this option. As far as I know, NC Cardinal does not have this.
The KPAC is almost unusable. There's no way to see where the items are located without clicking on them and no way to filter out e-materials that I can see. The colors and layout make it more kid-friendly but I've seen many children give up using it because it's difficult to find where the item actually is.
Cardinal Response:
Evergreen has an option called KPAC which is a kid friendly OPAC. As an example, we've done some fairly extensive customization of Polk County's KPAC. https://polk.nccardinal.org/eg/kpac/home You can your library's KPAC by replacing the /eg/opac/home in your library's web address with /eg/kpac/home. If you're interested in developing it, send us a ticket. In our recent community testing activities, we've seen what appears to be a complete new rewrite of the KPAC, so there may be some updates coming in the next upgrade.
Comment:
A more engaging interface for the staff and patron catalog
Cardinal Response:
We're open to suggestions on things that could be done to make the interface more engaging. One of the projects we've been discussing for the year ahead is to gather some more detailed feedback from staff and patrons on some design update ideas to make some updates to the catalog.
Comment:
Easier way to change staff password
Cardinal Response:
We'd be interested to know which process you usually use and the challenges you face. Do you change it at the login screen when it expires? Do you use the change password process available in the "hamburger menu" at the top right of the staff interface? Do you go through the My Account process on the public facing OPAC?
Comment:
It would be helpful if the circulation interface didn't require staff to have multiple tabs open at one time.
Cardinal Response:
We're interested to learn more about the tasks require multiple tabs. We may be able to offer ideas for other workflows or submit design wishlist suggestions.
Comment:
It would be helpful if we could go to the item table record for an item directly from the patron's hold lists even when our library does not own the item (in the case where a specific item has not already been targeted).
Cardinal Response:
If you modify the columns showing on the list of patron holds to add "Title" that is a clickable link that takes you to the bib record, where you can see the other items.
General Comments:
Cardinal Response:
We have some ideas for how we can adjust font size in response to smaller screens. We'll add this to our project list.
Comment:
the "Patron Search" form is laid out in an awkward fashion. You really have to concentrate to find the most used fields. It really could be simpler.
Cardinal Response:
We've submitted a wishlist bug for this: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/2116189
General Comments:
When you click a title in "Item Status", you get to the "Staff Catalog" page (all good). Once there, you only see items from your default search library (also fine). Please put back the link to see "Cardinal" from that page (there used to be links for branch, system, and Cardinal), instead of making us type in an entire new search.
A way in a search results item page to expand or narrow the table to see all of cardinal or only my branch, without having to redo the whole search
Cardinal Response:
If we're understanding you correctly, it sounds like there is an active wishlist item for this. We recommend adding heat to it so that it receives more attention: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/1996782
Comment:
I would love a 'dark mode' to help prevent eyestrain after staring at a screen all day.
Cardinal Response:
That is included in Evergreen version 3.14 and will be a part of our next upgrade this fall
Comment:
More contrast on the layout of the pages in the system. I have partial blindness. So, some things have zero contrast and I struggle to see everything
Cardinal Response:
In the version of Evergreen that we'll be upgrading to this fall, there has been some significant work done to improve the accessibility. We hope you'll find these changes to be an improvement.
Comment:
Improve User Interface for Both Staff and Patrons
Cardinal Response:
We're open to suggestions on ways to improve the user interface.
Comment:
I really miss the keyboard shortcuts from the desktop version!
Cardinal Response:
The existing keyboard shortcuts for the web version can be found at https://nccardinalsupport.org/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=987 Are there other quick functions you'd find shortcuts useful for that aren't in the web based version of Evergreen?
Comment:
Consistency of columns/rows across accounts/not by workstation.
Cardinal Response:
We've found an active Launchpad wishlist request for this. We recommend adding heat to it so that it receives more attention: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/1702929
Comment:
I ask for this every year: when trying to manage columns, it would be much easier to search if the columns were in alpha order
Cardinal Response:
We've submitted a wishlist bug for this: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/2073995
Comment:
I would like to be able to have easier print options from the holds list: for example, with our old system (Horizon/Syrsi-Dynix), you could check a few books off the list, and then print just that selection. The current mode of having to either print the whole list, or download an entire Excel file in order to highlight and print a more selected list is just a little ridiculous.
Cardinal Response:
According to this bug https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/1750894 this is now possible using the checkboxes next to the items on the holds list. You check the boxes next to the items you want to print and then go to the action menu in the top right of the grid and choose "Print Selected Rows" Let us know if this is not what you mean.
General Comments:
Please put back the option to see what library a hold is coming from.
Please return the column in the patron holds section that tells the name of the library from which their hold is being sent.
Put the circulating library back on the hold books. It's nice to know where the books are coming from when patrons ask.
In the past there was a column in the hold section of the patron account that showed which branch the title was coming from. This greatly improved my ability to quickly let the patron know an approximate date of arrival. It is frustrating no such column exists with the update.
Please add name of library a hold item is being shipped from on the patron holds tab.
Please restore fulfillment library on patron holds screen.
Cardinal Response:
We've found an active Launchpad wishlist request for this. We recommend adding heat to it so that it receives more attention: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/2087870
Comment:
The ability to create column templates that can be applied whenever we are forced to clear cache and cookies as a troubleshooting step. Having to rebuild the column views across so many tabs manually each time this is needed is a bit ridiculous.
Cardinal Response:
We've found an active Launchpad wishlist request for this. We recommend adding heat to it so that it receives more attention: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/1976525
Comments About Call Numbers in Buckets:
Cardinal Response:
There is a column for call numbers in the item buckets. If you don't see it, you can add it from the Grid Settings menu and save it to make it your default. However, since the Record Buckets only list Bib Records, and call numbers are assigned at the volume level so that they can vary between libraries, it's not possible to show the call number in a record bucket.
Comment:
I'd like to see contextual information added to item bucket drop down menus. It would be helpful to know the number of items in a bucket when i drop the menu so I don't have to click every single one to see what needs to be addressed. Example: Adult Fiction (6)
Cardinal Response:
We've found an active Launchpad wishlist request for this. We recommend adding heat to it so that it receives more attention: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/2115070
Comment:
For the Basket to Bucket items to have the same column functions as item status
Cardinal Response:
We have created a Launchpad bug for this request, and we recommend adding heat to it so that it receives more attention: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/2115073
Comments:
Better mobile edition
Evergreen is not very mobile friendly. It would be great is there was an app.
Mobile Friendly App
Cardinal Response:
Cardinal has looked into pricing of commercial apps, but we found that it was cost prohibitive to implement consortia-wide. Some member libraries have a choice to implemented an app called MyLibro and we're happy to help if you'd like to do this. We're also currently investigating how to make Cardinal accessible in the Hemlock app.
Comment:
Is there any way we could get a more behind the scenes look of how Evergreen performs? Obviously the system runs on a big server stack (not sure how big compared to the average goes in the enterprise world. What's the overall specs for Evergreen? How much load does the system see every day? How hard is it trying to keep up with dozens of counties, and hundreds of libraries of staff accessing and using it daily? Is Evergreen slow like it is just because of the load it experience in a given moment? How stable is the system as whole? I'm just curious because maybe it would help me and others understand the well known latency and loading issues we all deal with daily. Overall it's working fine day to day, but there are days I feel like pulling my hair out. Whoever is maintaining the system at the bare metal level of things probably feels the same I imagine.
Cardinal Response:
We're always happy to share more about how things work behind the scenes for those of you that are interested. We'll look into having this as one of our topics for our drop in training in the year ahead.
General Comments:
Slowness of system-happens too often that we are all struggling to operate
Sluggish, unresponsive interface at times, seemingly unrelated to internet connection.
Sometimes Evergreen is slow to load and I'm not sure if it's the internet or Evergreen.
The loading time for our holdings to appear when there are a lot of items
Ways to improve the issues with Cardinal being so slow at times
Currently the main thing with Evergreen that I've seen is the lag or buffer that deletes work or takes too long and it feels like a crash more than it stalling (especially when placing holds) Improvements with evergreen slowness
Cardinal Response:
We're constantly working with the vendor that hosts our software to monitor and address performance issues. If you're experiencing slowness, its helpful for you to post on the Incidents Basecamp list so that we can investigate the health of the servers at the moment and address anything that's happening.
Comment:
This is supplemental to my first question: Are there any comprehensive plans to keep Evergreen performant as far as hardware capabilities are concerned? I see we keep adding system year over year and it seems Evergreen gets a bit slower over time too. Each time a new library system is added to Evergreen, is the state of Evergreen's performance considered before adding it? I assume its a fairly technical process either way.
Cardinal Response:
Over the years our hosting vendor has made dramatic changes to the server environment we're using to host our instance of the Evergreen software. As it is now, its is dynamically scalable to add more virtual servers based on demand. So, for instance, every afternoon we see increases in traffic and based on this additional servers are spun up to handle the load. Lately, we've been fending off a variety of bot traffic, as have all Evergreen users. It is a constant game of cat and mouse to figure out what's real human traffic and separate it from the bots so that it doesn't slow down performance.
Comments About Cover Images:
Cover photos on records!
Make cataloging the correct book image standard
I really wish that we could see more book covers in Cardinal
Minor tweaks to catalog searching in Evergreen to improve clarity (i.e. add proper thumbnails to more items)
Cardinal Response:
We use Open Library as the basic source for our book cover images and rely on catalogers to add any images that aren't available there. Instructions for adding cover images are located in the Knowledge Book: https://nccardinalsupport.org/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=818
Comment:
It wastes time to have to click an "Apply" button for each box when I am going to click an "Apply and save" button when I am finished. Extra steps waste time.
Cardinal Response:
It is not necessary to click apply for each item attribute. You can select them, then hit Apply All & Save when done with your selections and they will apply. We will update documentation to make this clearer.
Comment:
Make sure batch record changes conform to the knowledge book guidelines (juvenile graphic novels/manga missing $vJuvenile fiction in 650s).
Cardinal Response:
We're open to suggestions on how to improve these batch changes. Often, when making bulk changes, we're hunting for records with one specific issue and making changes to address that issue. For instance, adding manga GMDs or fixing specific 336/337/338 issues. Making a fix like you suggest is something we can address.
Comment:
There are several places where you can start an edit on either an import or a merge and then accidentally click import or merge and lose all of your work. Either a block on that key or a prompt would be nice.
Cardinal Response:
We'd like to know more about the issue you're describing. Please reach out to us at help@nccardinalsupport.org so we can learn more.
Comment:
Would like to see some of the bugs in Marc fixed
Cardinal Response:
We recommend adding heat to the various bugs related to the MARC Editor so that they will receive more attention. You can find a list of these bugs in the Knowledge Book here under "Cataloging": https://nccardinalsupport.org/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=941
Comment:
Cataloging>Manage Authorities doesn't seem to be working ?? Can this be addressed?
Cardinal Response:
This has been a longstanding issue with Evergreen going back to at least 3.0.3 (per this Launchpad bug). There are many more "wishlist" bug reports related to managing authorities on Launchpad, as well, though this does not appear to be a high priority. We recommend adding heat to the linked bug so that it receives more attention.
Comment:
Require more knowledge in cataloging before allowing someone to be passed as a item or bibliographical cataloger. I find way too many errors and variations on how fields are done. Somehow require that the first library to add a real holding to have actually edited the record. I find many records where several other libraries have added their copies and no one has edited the record.
Cardinal Response:
We are currently looking at ways to update our item and bibliographic cataloging assessments to include the latest updates and changes to our policies and procedures with the assistance of the Cataloging Interest Group. It is currently policy for the first library that adds a holding to a record to edit/update the record. This is known as the "First Cataloger Rule" (https://nccardinalsupport.org/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=40). We can always make sure to bring more attention to this rule, though.
Comment:
In the Catalog, when you select a record and view it in "Staff View" if there is something under Series Title, the Series and number become a clickable link that will search the catalog for the series with whatever is in subfield v, usually a volume number. It would be cool if the search didn't include the number, just the series title(exclude 490 subfield v).
Cardinal Response:
This is a standing bug that has existed since at least 2.8.4. We recommend you add heat to the Launchpad bug so that it receives more attention: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/1502328
Comment:
Would love to have paperbacks separated from "regular print" as so many patrons cannot read the smaller print in paperbacks. Treat like LP
Cardinal Response:
This has been discussed on a few different occasions with catalogers in the consortium, and every time it was decided that it is better to leave paperbacks on the same records as hardcovers due to the immense workload and time commitment necessary to separate out paperbacks from hardcovers.
Comment:
Updating training slides/videos for the cataloging assessments to encompass all aspects of cataloging.
Cardinal Response:
We have started working with the Cataloging Interest Group on identifying questions that need to be updated on the assessment. Once that update is complete, we will begin re-designing cataloging training to speak directly to the assessments.
Comment:
Ways to make your own tags and To Be Read shelf or tags
Cardinal Response:
We'd like to learn more about your suggestion. Would this be on the patron side of the OPAC, like a function within user baskets or lists? Or on the staff side, similar to digital bookplates?
Comment:
In Acquisitions, we really need a return of the NOTE subfield in Holdings Definitions for Providers in EDI setup.
Cardinal Response:
The Evergreen developer's community is aware of this bug and it has been assigned high importance. You can add "heat" to it here: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/2026600
Comment:
Acquisitions updates
Cardinal Response:
The next upgrade is not expected to include significant acquisitions updates, but we can work on developing a regular acquisitions-specific training program on new features after relevant upgrades.
Comment:
Improve ILS ability to receive (ASN/EDI) shipments for libraries with separate branch billing.
Cardinal Response:
We are expecting further development of this capability in Evergreen 3.15. As we learn more about this capability for the next upgrade, we will share.
General Comments:
Duplicate record consolidation. Patrons select records from outside of the home library when given too many options which results in an unnecessary RS request.
Improve ways to find matches in duplication process
Making the catalog a little cleaner less duplicate records.
Integrated records for duplicate items
Catalog dedup and clean up of formats other than books
deduplication
Further Dedup
Cardinal Response:
We are continually working to improve our annual automated deduplication process, and this past year we performed our first deduplication of video records. This year we rolled out a process where we requested the assistance of catalogers to review and merge potential matches that the automated process matched but did not merge. Each year we are able to make improvements to the overall process, but sometimes these adjustments have to be incremental so as to avoid as many potential mismerges as possible. We also encourage catalogers to perform manual merges as they come across duplicate records during their normal cataloging duties.
Comment:
This may be strange, but an additional shelving location: cozy mystery. Not sure how much of an issue this is across the state, but with cozies becoming more popular and currently the biggest circulation trend (in competition with romance), this would helpful!
Cardinal Response:
In general, we try to limit the number of shelving locations. If your library wants to add a shelving location, please submit a help ticket. If a local shelving location is requested by a variety of libraries, we'll usually elevate it to a Cardinal-wide shelving location. One other thing to consider is using call numbers (or just prefixes) to genre-fy your collection. We've recently helped a member library change from Dewey to genres for their call numbers and could explore that with you for portions of your collection if that's helpful.
General Comments:
The MP3 and CD records need to be separated, many records have both on them still.
There are a lot of CD-MP3s stuck on regular CD audiobook records right now and patrons are not happy when they get an MP3 audiobook that they don't know how to use.
Cardinal Response:
This is something that will require the assistance of catalogers, because only library staff will be able to determine if their item attached to a bib record is an MP3-CD or regular CD. If we can get catalogers to help with separating out these materials, we can then go in and try to determine what information in both records can be used to help prevent accidental bib merges in the future, whether by the annual automated deduplication process or by manual merges by catalogers. We may need to look into possibly creating a new format icon specifically for MP3-CDs, because currently it appears that they share the same format icon with CD audiobooks.
Comment:
Long lost items should automatically clear from the patron's account.
Cardinal Response:
In general, we don't make these kinds of changes automatically because they have financial implications and sometimes different parts of library leadership have to sign off on forgiving the money that is owed for the lost items. But, we're happy to help you and your library address old lost items on your patron accounts. If you send in a ticket, we can help set up a process for you.
Comment:
When creating a note, the default for Depth should be This Branch (vs. Cardinal)
Cardinal Response:
When creating patron notes, the note's visible depth is set at the branch level by default to ensure that staff do not share sensitive notes with other libraries. When interest, staff are able to extend a notes visibility between Branch, System, or Cardinal.
Comment:
Refine the list of descriptors in the patron record for items checked out or on hold
Cardinal Response:
If you're referring to the information shown in the columns of the Items Out and Holds screen, there are a bunch of other fields of information that are available. Go to the top right of that "grid" and choose the gear button next to where it says Rows and Page. That menu lets you select other information columns you can add. There's some more information on this functionality here: https://nccardinalsupport.org/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=687 If that's not what you meant, we're happy to assist further.
Comment:
Have a way to remove the requirement (Yellow field) from Daytime phone same as for Email, so we don't have to put garbage in the field
Cardinal Response:
Required fields (which show up in yellow) are configurable for each library system. We're happy to update your required fields if you submit a ticket.
Comment:
Modify the patron account screen to clearly show when an account is part of a group. It's frustrating that there's no indication from that screen and that you have to search for the "Group member details" button from the menu. Maybe add "group" to the list of tabs (next to 'check out' and 'holds' etc.) on the account page.
Cardinal Response:
We have created a Launchpad bug for this request, and we recommend adding heat to it so that it receives more attention: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/2115428
Comment:
Hide legal names under a click box or tab when the patron has a preferred name. As a trans person, I don't want to know another person's dead name unless its absolutely necessary.
Cardinal Response:
We have created a Launchpad bug for this request, and we recommend adding heat to it so that it receives more attention: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/2115429
Comment:
Accuracy in "same name" & "same address" when registering new patron
Cardinal Response:
We'll have a look at how this is done and how to improve it.
General Comments:
Material checkout issues.
Problems with due dates.
Cardinal Response:
We'd be interested to learn more about the issues you're describing. If you encounter an issue like this, please reach out to us at help@nccardinalsupport.org so we can track down what is causing the issue.
Comments about Linking to Patron from Checkin:
Link to patron from check-in screen
In Check-In, have the ability to go to the patron the item was just checked in for as a column option.
Cardinal Response:
It is possible to add a column to the grid on the checkin screen for Staff Client/OPAC Username. This will match the patron's barcode in most cases, and is hyperlinked to the patron's account so you can click on it to go directly to the account. After adding this column, you can save the grid and the column will be included every time you use the checkin interface.
Comment:
There seem to be glitches still in circulation. For example; we check in books slowly whether coming in from a patron or from resource sharing and the system shows the item checked in on the screen. We still have constant situations where a book(s) say they are still "in transit" or on a patron's account when we and they know the book has been checked in.
Cardinal Response:
We'd be interested to learn more about the issues you're describing. If you encounter an issue like this, please reach out to us at help@nccardinalsupport.org so we can track down what is causing the issue.
Comment:
Better item view menu showing clearly when and who circulated an item.
Cardinal Response:
Currently, when you go to the detailed view of an item in the Item Status Screen, this information is available in the "Circ History List" tab. We're interested in suggestions on how this could be better displayed.
Comments about Reading History:
If it is possible to alter Evergreen so that patrons' reading history is automatically tracked in their accounts that would please many people.
Make a Patron's borrowing history available.
The ability to view a patrons circulation history. We get asked this a lot by older patrons that do not use devices and do not log into their library accounts.
Parton account history
Cardinal Response:
We can understand how this would be useful, but Evergreen developers made an intentional design decision to let patrons choose to opt-in to history tracking via the My Account section of the OPAC, so that patrons know about and manage the information available about their activity.
Comment:
I would like for NC Cardinal to be able to connect to a point-of-sale system to make it easier for bookkeeping.
Cardinal Response:
I think there are several libraries that would appreciate this. I'd suggest adding heat to this Launchpad wishlist item: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/1851586
Comment:
See more details on billing interfaces should be easier to see
Cardinal Response:
We'd be interested to learn more about your suggestions on how to improve it. Are you referring to getting to the Statement that you can see by double clicking or right clicking on the fine, or the History that you have to select the fine and hit the History button for?
Comment:
Continue seeking ways to be able to use text messages for all activities.
Cardinal Response:
The functionality we now have with MessageBee is better than we had before, but unfortunately our constraint right now is that each message costs money when before it did not. Due to recent budgetary constraints, we've limited SMS notifications to hold notifications but we'd be open to expanding further if and as the budget allows.
Comment:
Notification bugs - whether or not they're email or text, some notifications are sending and some are not.
Cardinal Response:
When you encounter these kinds of issues, its helpful to have a ticket with the patrons barcode and information on what they didn't receive notification about so that we can track down if it is something within our control. Sometimes there are internal issues that we can fix and sometimes we send the messages out but they're never delivered due to SPAM filtering by the patron's email provider.
Comment:
Better communication regarding upcoming upgrades
Better awareness of upgrades for staff who don't work behind-the-scenes on Evergreen
Communication of changes before they happen
Cardinal Response:
We're open to ideas on how to improve. Our strategy at this stage is to announce the upgrades on Basecamp and have a Knowledge Book page where we detail what we know about the upgrade and the biggest impacts we expect it to have. https://nccardinalsupport.org/index.php?pg=kb.book&id=10 We also send out requests for interested users to join the Upgrade Testing specific Basecamp group which has proven to be really helpful to learn about what works and needs to be fixed. We follow this up by having a webinar where we go through the big changes to give libraries an opportunity to make sure staff are ready. We then usually follow up post-upgrade with further webinars to cover specific changes and topics. This coming fall, we've decided to not have any migration projects happening while in the midst of the upgrade planning so that we can focus our training and testing efforts on the upgrade. We're open to other suggestions you may have. To keep up with the broader changes happening in the Evergreen software and community as changes are being developed, we suggest subscribing to Evergreen's General Discussion mailing list to keep up on the software's development https://evergreen-ils.org/communicate/mailing-lists/
Comment:
Bugs that have been on the list for a while.
Cardinal Response:
This is something we find challenging as well. As part of an open source community, we have a voice in raising bugs and suggesting wishlist items, but there are a lot of other people that are a part of the development and decision making process for what gets added to the software. We have a Developer on our team that can make some changes, but some improvements are difficult or broad ranging. We encourage library staff to add heat to bugs on Launchpad as a way to attract attention to them. The more head a bug gets, the more likely it is to receive attention from Developers in the Evergreen community. Some bugs unfortunately do not get much attention because they are simply deemed not a priority.
Comments about Upgrade Usefulness:
Ensuring that upgrades are beneficial
More of a general design philosophy request. Having kept up with the tech world in my own personal life quite a bit, I often see companies small or big make changes that don't need to be made under the guise of improving the experience. Evergreen is of course more insulated from that kind of decision making given its purpose, but my suggestion is to always keep away from what I would call the Microsoft design philosophy of "fix it until its broken" and "if it's broken, only fix it if it's broken enough". While kind of hyperbolic, it is a thing that is pervasive in the tech world. When planning upgrades a design changes, I hope serious consideration is taken to preserve the legacy function of how we all have gotten used to doing things. While changes are inevitable as libraries change, we should make sure to steer away from reworking things that don't need that sort of attention. If I had to use an example, I would point to something like the drop down menu for searching the catalog being changed so that you have to click on the three dots to have it show more advance search criteria. Before, it used to be something that showed up automatically. I have yet to see a good reason for this change. While minor, there are a number of other changes that I'm sure have been posted about at great length which highlight changes that were never asked for. Some of these are certainly bugs in the system that were not intended but not all are. Also, I see in previous survey results it is mentioned the NC Cardinal team does not always directly affect changes. What does this mean exactly? Are changes simply being requested and NC Cardinal implements them? If so, how are change request filtered for viability and or efficacy? Some insight in the how this exact process takes place would be useful.
Cardinal Response:
This can be challenging. We're making use of software that's developed and changed by a larger software development community. There are ways that you can be involved in the change process by being part of Evergreen's committees and interest groups (https://evergreen-ils.org/communicate/committees/) that are making these changes through the process of software development. When we go through an upgrade to a new version of Evergreen, we get all the changes that come with that new version of the software. We don't get to pick and choose which new features we implement, though we do have some customizations we have to sync with the new version of the software. All that being said, opinions on what is beneficial and what is not may differ. Someone may have what they think is a great new idea that ends up being a pain for other people. We try to solicit feedback and testing when we go through upgrades to fix as many things as we can, but we have a limit to how much we can make our version of Evergreen different than the versions that are released to the larger Evergreen community.
Comment:
useful features
Cardinal Response:
We're open to suggestions on features that you'd find useful.
Comment:
The Upgrade was truly helpful and very successful.
Cardinal Response:
We're glad you found it useful! Sometimes upgrades can be challenging and not everyone is pleased with the changes.
Comment:
I have no real notes. I am pretty interested in some of the upcoming changes to evergreen with buckets and the holdings editor. I hope they are implemented sooner rather than later.
Cardinal Response:
They should be coming in our next upgrade this fall.
Comment:
The one z39.50 change that I truly dislike is how much I have to scroll to get to my results. Since the results are at the bottom of the screen with every new search box pushing it further and further down, the results are difficult to see in normal cataloging workflow. I almost wish the results box was at the top since there are never so many results, or else that each thing was in containers so the search boxes can scroll but the whole page does not have to.
Cardinal Response:
Thanks for the feedback. Would it be helpful if the "Search Query" and "Services and Credentials" columns took up less vertical space, so that the results at the bottom are less likely to be so far down on the page? I'm not sure what the interface looks like on your screen, but it seems like there's a lot of blank space in the middle of the columns that might be used more efficiently.
Comment:
It has been years since we performed a staff permissions review. Maybe a project where SLAMs get together to look at staff permissions group and associated permissions and consider any changes that may be needed. Ideally, we would get to a place where we could come up with standards and an assessment of understanding (similar to Bib and Item Catalogers) so additional permissions could be granted to SLAMs who are interested in doing more. This is a lot to ask, though, and may not be the highest priority for the consortium.
Cardinal Response:
Thanks for the suggestion. We can add this to our project goals. Its been about six years since we've done our last Staff Permissions Project.
Comment:
Evergreen needs the ability to allow local admins to batch purge/delete expired patron accounts.
Cardinal Response:
Currently, batch user deletion permissions using User Buckets are assigned to Branch Administrators or higher. If you do not have Branch Administrator permissions, we'd suggest building the bucket of users that you wish to delete and referring the bucket to your Branch Admin, or asking your SLAM if you're eligible for Branch Admin privileges. If you have Branch Admin privileges and are having difficulties with bulk patron deletions, you may be encountering other issues. If so, send in a ticket and we can investigate.
Requests for Report Lists:
Provide an easily searchable database of existing report templates
I would like to see a list of reports that can be run
Cardinal Response:
At this point, there is a search tab in the main Reports screen that may help. We also have a list of the shared report templates at: https://nccardinalsupport.org/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=726
Comments about Shelving Location Filters:
Reports Interface - when you have to add multiple shelving locations, you have to click on each one and add them individually. It would be nice to have checkboxes like you do for the system names to make these easier to select.
I would like to see improvements on the reporter. I feel like we lost some small things from the old one to the new, that were very handy. Having the ability to choose multiple shelving location in one swipe was very useful. This feature saved so much time.
Cardinal Response:
We expect this bug to be fixed in the next upgrade this fall.
Comment:
Make it easier to compile lists of items with a particular subject heading in reports
Cardinal Response:
We've created a report template named "List: Items by Subject Heading". You may clone it from the Centralized Reports Templates folder in the Admin folder: Admin>Centralized Reports Templates>Item Templates>Lists. We'd welcome your feedback on if and how this meets your needs.
General Comments:
I'd like to see very simple reporting in groups for basic activities instead of having to build reports that are very confusing to do.
Improve the reports
Improvement to reports.
Make Reports easier and simpler
Reports are still hard to navigate and too many steps/too complex. It feels overwhelming to see so many input fields and not being sure what to select.
Bring the reports into the 21st century
Reports, especially simple ones, are a hard one for me.
Simplify reports
Simplify the reports
To have the reporting feature/ function more user friendly.
building a report
Reporting interface that is intuitive and less overwhelming that the current interface.
Not really something Cardinal has much individual control over but I did not care for the changes to the report interface. It did not make the reports process simpler but just rearranged how to do certain things in a way that made things more confusing for staff still learning how to do reports.
Reports is convoluted and hard for most to use. Make that easier without having to go through so many unnecessary steps. TLC has an excellent reports module that doesn't require any cloning, re-saving, etc.
Make pulling reports easier/more intuitive
Reach out to all other consortia to see if we can all pool money for a true reports module improvement
Add to/Expand Simple Reports - it actually works and is easy to use.
Make improvements to the reporting interface in Evergreen
Cardinal Response:
The complexity and difficulty of the Evergreen reporter is something that's been a long standing concern for everyone in the Evergreen community that uses it. The Evergreen developer community has continued to try to improve it, rolling out Simple Reports in our previous upgrade and again making updates to the standard reporter in our most recent upgrade. The reporter is one of the components of Evergreen that we as the Cardinal team don't have much control over, so we try to adjust to the challenges by offering regular trainings online and in-person, as well as offering support for creating new report templates. We will continue to offer your feedback to the Evergreen developer community and advocate for improvements.
Comment:
Getting lots of "error running report" messages only correctable by clearing caches, happening with distressing regularity.
Cardinal Response:
Thank you for making us aware of this. We'd welcome a ticket when you encounter this so we can investigate if it is something specific to the report you're working on. We may be able to offer strategies to simplify the report, if that is contributing to the issue.
Comment:
Better communication between library systems about noted damage on material so that we are not making assumptions that patrons damaged material.
Cardinal Response:
We stress open communication between member libraries and have even updated our resource sharing guidelines and best practices to emphasize this. Ultimately, though, it is down to each library system to make sure their staff are communicating with staff from other libraries when an item is damaged.
Comment:
Can always use more refreshers on Resource Sharing best practices
Cardinal Response:
We welcome any suggestions for how we can better share this information with libraries and staff. We have overhauled the Resource Sharing section of our Knowledge Book in an effort to make it easier to follow and understand. We have also recently held trainings, both in person and virtual, for resource sharing.
Requests for Resource Sharing Assessments:
Resource Sharing assessment in order to perform workflow
Mandatory resource sharing assessments similar to cataloging. At this point, proper handling of resource sharing has become just as important as cataloging. While additional trainings have helped to some extent, many libraries are still missing the mark. With how poorly FedEx handles packages, it's even more important that material is packaged properly. Would be great if the trainings/assessments encompassed all aspects of RS (communication protocol, packing and unpacking, managing transit list, etc.).
Cardinal Response:
We've heard the suggestion more and more in recent years. There are some physical tasks that are harder to assess for, but we'll look at putting together a knowledge check for in the coming year.
General Comment:
Interested in the idea of a courier service. Even if the cost is similar to FedEx, I think the staff time would be considerably less packing into reusable tubs. Out west, FedEx hasn't recovered from Helene and I spend a good amount of time working with them when deliveries aren't picked up.
Improved shipping situation for resource sharing.
Resource sharing sustainability.
Cardinal Response:
We're continuing to pursue ways to improve resource sharing, figure out the best carrier and make sure it is sustainable. We've received a lot of good feedback in the discussion about different options. The recent federal budget uncertainty has distracted from long term planning for courier options.
Comment:
Standards for condition of material that circulates. (We get a lot of material from other library systems that are in horrible condition.)
Cardinal Response:
Different libraries have different ideas of what constitutes "damage," and it is difficult to find a "one size fits all" solution for everyone. We do, however, offer some examples and points of reference in the Knowledge Book here: https://nccardinalsupport.org/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=945
Comment:
A major problem we have is when books get lost or not returned or damaged when out in resource sharing. One of our books was severely damaged and the check out library had patron pay for the book. That library kept the money and sent the destroyed book back to us. I realize Cardinal does not want money sent through resource. Whenever a book is destroyed or lost here, the patron will pay or I will use funds here to replace book and send the replacement back to original library through resource sharing. This is courtesy.
Cardinal Response:
We really try to stress communication between library systems whenever an item is damaged or lost. Not all libraries will want their damaged item back, and not all libraries will accept a replacement copy. We recommend libraries both reach out to the owning library when an item is damaged/lost and to also refer to this page in the Knowledge Book: https://nccardinalsupport.org/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=909
Comment:
Sometimes emails/messages in resource sharing boxes can be a bit more aggressive than they need to be or should be from library to library. You guys aren't and shouldn't have to be mediators of communication, but I do think a healthy reminder of taking a breath before responding could be warranted.
Cardinal Response:
We can certainly put out a friendly reminder to libraries and library staff to please be respectful and professional in any and all communications with other libraries, though this will ultimately come down to each library.
Comment:
Updated "Library Preferences for Lost or Damaged Materials" page. Maybe require libraries to select from list of preferences - some systems have rather vague instructions like "Call to discuss" while others having nothing listed at all. I think this list could really become more useful with a few tweaks. I'd be happy to offer more suggestions.
Cardinal Response:
We have reached out to libraries on a number occasions in order to make sure this page is as up-to-date as possible. Unfortunately we do not always get a 100% response rate, so some libraries have to be left blank. This is why we stress reaching out to the owning library whenever an item is damaged or lost, even as just a courtesy if they do provide instructions on that Knowledge Book page.
Comment:
We appreciate NC Cardinal Resource Sharing so much and so do our patrons. It is amazing how well everything works - especially considering the volume of items that change hands every day.
Cardinal Response:
Thanks for the feedback. There's things that can be improved, but we appreciate the efforts and collaboration of so many library staff across the state that help to get wanted resources into the hands of library patrons.
Comment:
6 month hold block should automatically disappear six months from the create date. This seems like a logical and time saving idea.
Cardinal Response:
Six Month Age Hold Protection automatically expires six months after the Active Date of the item and is removed on a nightly basis. We use Active Date rather than the Create Date because items are often created in a processing status after creation and are unavailable for weeks before they are activated.
Comment:
ability to make multiple holds at one time for book clubs
Cardinal Response:
There are two functions available in Evergreen that allow multiple holds for book clubs. You can make multiple hold events at once for the same hold group. We have added a wishlist to increase the flexibility of this function. You can add heat to it if you believe this might meet your needs: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/2115081
For the process of placing multiple holds on the same title for the same account, such as a “Book Club” account that does not require all users to register as part of the hold group to participate, there is an existing function in Evergreen for this process as well, but it must be turned on for your library, and the permission to place multiple holds granted to specific staff login accounts. This is something we are still experimenting with, but if you would like to help us test it, please reach out!
Comment:
I want there to be a longer turn-around periods for more rural libraries for books on hold
Cardinal Response:
We can appreciate your concern. In the past the hold shelf length varied widely and in an effort to improve accessibility when popular titles weren't retrieved by patrons, the Governance Committee passed rule with the limit of 7 days on the hold shelf.
Comment:
The bug that makes a patron's hold screen not sticky when you're putting multiple items on hold and you can't look at their account in a new tab or open anyone else's account in a new tab without their name disappearing from the top of your holds page. This bug has been around since the upgrade last year and never been fixed, and it’s something that I run into several times a week at the circ desk.
Cardinal Response:
We recommend adding heat to this Launchpad bug so that it receives more attention: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/2043715
Comment:
Holds trap for in house items before trapping for out of county item
Cardinal Response:
This should generally be the case, as holds are targeted according to their proximity to the pickup library and holds from the local branch are given top priority (through opportunistic hold capture.) There are scenarios where a item could be targeted for an external hold before a hold at another branch is considered. If you see oddities we would welcome a ticket so that we can look at specifically what happened and when.
Comment:
The distance proximity for holds at our branch does not seem to work properly and won't pull from the main branch when the item is available
Cardinal Response:
The proximity factor is only in place for holds that are being filled through resource sharing. Within your system, the distance between branches isn't considered, its more of a random targeting within your branches based on what's available.
Comments about Hold Queue:
Would love to be able to see where patrons are in line for a hold again, that column only displays "1" now
Holds queue questions--the number given now is completely unhelpful/doesn't take into account 6 month hold blocks, etc.
Cardinal Response:
We recommend adding heat to this Launchpad bug so that it receives more attention: https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/1954937
General Comments:
For Resource Sharing holds it would be nice if there was a better way to track the book status instead of just marking the book "In Transit"
Resource sharing materials are taking months, in some cases, over a year to be returned with no real way to track them once they leave and are simply "in transit."
Cardinal Response:
One of the tools you may find helpful is the Transit List, which is available under the menu Administration > Local Administration. It lets you see everything that is in transit to or from your system, sort by the send date, shelving location, destination library, etc. That being said, while things are in transit it can be hard to know where they are at the moment. FedEx has its own tracking, but that's not at the item level. We've also started sending out a monthly list of things that have been in transit for a long time with the goal of having member libraries search for them to resolve the issue.
Comment:
I would still like a way to generate a good in-transit report by shipping hub. It's hard to see if something went wrong with a specific package, if you have to reconcile a dozen different libraries.
Cardinal Response:
We have a proof of concept template for a report of this type. You may clone it from the Centralized Reports Templates folder in the Admin folder: Admin>Centralized Reports Templates>Hold & Transit Templates>Lists>"List:
Comment:
When looking into unfilled holds, I've found several items that seem to have been "in transit" status for more than a year. Meanwhile, there are holds placed on these items and patrons waiting. Is there a way to make it so that the "in transit" status times out after a certain period of time and automatically switches over to lost or missing instead? That would give the lending and borrowing libraries a heads-up that something may be going on with an item... and keeps more patrons from placing holds on an unavailable item. (If an example is helpful, the book " Just an ordinary family" 30372101863253 seems to have been in transit since 2023.
Cardinal Response:
We'll add it to our list of projects for the upcoming year.
Requests for Virtual Training Topics:
Cardinal Response:
We are putting together our training plan for FY 25-26 and will include training on the requested topics. If there are specific details you would like to have included in these trainings, please reach out.
Requests for In-Person Trainings:
more training locally
Regional in-person small group training
More regional training opportunities near Franklin County
Multiple dates for in-person classes
Cardinal Response:
We will continue to offer multiple in-person training events around the state. As we've ramped up the in-person classes, our strategy has been to offer sessions in different geographic areas, put out surveys on the dates that work best for the most people and open those sessions to library staff from all regions. The in-person classes take significantly more planning and cost than an online class, so our capacity is limited. If you would like to ensure that one is held close to you, contact your director and ask them to offer to host!
Comment:
more user friendly
Cardinal Response:
We're open to any suggestion you have on how we can make the training more user friendly. Was there a specific session you attended that wasn't very clear?
Comment:
Would like to see more on-line training videos pertaining to cataloging. Dr. Archer does a great job at these. Also, continued updated knowledge book and some additional guidance on authorities (subject)
Cardinal Response:
We're doing some work to try to improve our practices with authorities in the absence of Marcive. We will offer some Cardinal-specific training on Authorities in August of this year. If you're interested in other online cataloging training sessions, I'd suggest keeping an eye on the SLNC Train Station (https://statelibrary.ncdcr.libguides.com/trainstation) or checking out the continuing education opportunities made available by the State Library (https://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/services-libraries/learning-opportunities/continuing-education)
Requests for One-on-One Training:
Schedule a time for one-on-one trainings. I think this could be beneficial for peeps that need a little extra help (me included).
One on one training
Cardinal Response:
Our first suggestion would be to drop in to our monthly "office hours." These are meant to be a time to field questions and they also offer the opportunity for other people to learn at the same time. We have also scheduled individual training sessions on request for challenging issues.
Comment:
Multiple dates for in-person classes
Cardinal Response:
As we've ramped up the in-person classes, our strategy has been to offer sessions in different geographic areas, put out surveys on the dates that work best for the most people and open those sessions to library staff from all regions. The in-person classes take significantly more planning and cost than an online class, so our capacity is limited.
Comment:
Multiple dates for virtual classes
Cardinal Response:
While it is not always feasible to host the same session multiple times throughout the year, we will plan to continue offering many of the same topics year after year. Additionally, most webinars are recorded and posted on the NC Cardinal YouTube page.
Comment:
Recordings/webinars that can be viewed after the event is over.
Cardinal Response:
We record most of our webinars and online trainings and post them to the NC Cardinal YouTube page, along with a number of shorter video demonstrations of specific functions in Evergreen. If you are looking for specific videos, please reach out and we can direct you to any existing videos or add your topic request to our list of videos to create.
Comment:
"Many of these replies is on the end. I would like to block out some time to dedicate to learning more. As many, we are very short staffed and have staff changes. Still trying to catch up?"
Cardinal Response:
If there is any type of training or learning tool that would be easier for you to access during your limited time, please let us know. We're always happy to find new ways to accommodate learning.
Comment:
Staff turnover is high in public libraries, and new staff often need help navigating NC Cardinal procedures and Evergreen functions. Offer short, role-specific on-demand video tutorials (e.g., “Circulation Basics,” “Intro to Reports,” “Cataloging Standards”), quick guides, and regular live refresher Q&A sessions tailored to different staff roles. Improve consistency in shared policies across libraries and provide clearer, more frequent updates to staff. Reduces confusion, strengthens the “one system” feeling for staff and patrons alike, and supports smoother resource sharing. Evergreen staff client and OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) are functional but can feel outdated or unintuitive compared to modern systems. Continue enhancements to the staff interface for smoother workflows (e.g., fewer clicks, better navigation for holds and patron accounts).
Cardinal Response:
We have some shorter videos on specific functions that we post on our YouTube page. We will continue to add to these as we are able. For now, we have added "Circulation Basics" and "Cataloging Standards" to our list of videos to make. We have several shorter videos on report basics, but will continue working on updating these to match the current upgraded reporter.
Comment:
How about an NC Cardinal conference? It would be nice to meet and interface with the folks we interreact with virtually but never get to meet. I think a call for proposals would generate a lot of good content for conference sessions. I expect there are a lot of good ideas, projects, and processes, workflows that happen at other libraries and I’m not aware of that I might want to apply at my library. Probably not every year. We could do it every other year. The even years, when NCLA does not hold a conference.
Cardinal Response:
We love this idea! We will discuss its feasibility and try to figure out when and where we might be able to host something of this sort. It may not happen this year, but we would love to see it in the future.
Multi-Card Comment:
The multiple card policy seems a little wonky. As does the handling of lost or damaged items.
Updated multi-card policy. I know this had been in the works, but not sure what the current status is. Apologies if this has been communicated and I just missed it!
Cardinal Response:
We're in the midst of reviewing and updating our Multi-card policy. We hope to complete it this summer.
Comment:
acceptance of new idea from your libraries
Cardinal Response:
We love to get ideas from our community. We make an earnest effort to consider ideas and figure out if it is feasible to implement suggestions. Sometimes an idea, no matter how good it is, turns out to simply not be possible based on resources, compatibility with Evergreen or other factors.
Comment:
Champion needed changes to Evergreen (and send instructions to users how to help with that goal)
Cardinal Response:
Individually, this is something the Cardinal team is engaged in and we'd welcome the involvement of the Cardinal community. The best thing you can do is to add "heat" to the Launchpad bugs we link to in these responses. Guidance on how to do that can be found here: https://nccardinalsupport.org/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=953
Comment:
If a natural disaster affects member systems, it would be helpful to have targeted messaging on important need-to-see vs can-skip info for when those staff people get overwhelmed with hundreds of emails.
Cardinal Response:
We can appreciate that feedback. The pandemic and Helene were reminders of how quickly unexpected circumstances can impact everyone and how important it is to communicate clearly. Recently, we've established our Primary Points of Contact list for each library so that we can be in direct communication with library leadership who can find the best members on their team to make decisions and respond.
Comment:
quick response when a problem arises
Cardinal Response:
This is very important to us. We keep a close eye on the Incidents Basecamp group watching for reports of performance issues.
Comment:
Spread the word about the advantages of using Basecamp to help resolve issues.
Cardinal Response:
We've been trying to address this year by releasing the Basecamp Best Practices: https://nccardinalsupport.org/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=211
Comment:
How can I do a better job with keeping up with what is going on with Cardinal?
Cardinal Response:
Our top suggestion is to join the Basecamp groups that are relevant to your job duties. (See the Mailing List tab at the top of this page: https://nccardinalsupport.org/index.php?pg=request) Also, participation in Evergreen interest groups that match your interests (https://evergreen-ils.org/communicate/committees/)
Comment:
Individual contact person
Cardinal Response:
We try to channel all of our support tasks towards our ticketing system so that we can balance the load and adapt to when team members are out of the office. You can reach out to us directly if you have policy or privacy concerns, but generally, if you reach out to us with a request to do something we'll turn your request into a ticket so that we can track the life of the request and make sure it is resolved and doesn't get lost in our inboxes
.
Comment:
Streamline Policy Consistency and Communication Across the Consortium
Cardinal Response:
We've been working on this idea over the past year and trying to put together "One Sheets" of things that are useful to know. Generally, our policies can be found here: https://nccardinalsupport.org/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=167
Comment:
Better awareness of trainings
Cardinal Response:
We are always trying to improve our communications about training. Based on other feedback from this survey, we will do more direct emails about upcoming training opportunities, and adding them to the training section on the Splash Page, while continuing to post on Basecamp.
Comment:
Regarding this survey, the final questions, 1-3 should be set to paragraph and not short answer.
Cardinal Response:
Thanks! Noted.
Comment:
I think basecamp could be formatted differently as it sometimes is difficult to follow. It seems jumbled. It does not flow well.
Cardinal Response:
We unfortunately don't have much control over how Basecamp is formatted. We're working to improve what we can, for example by releasing some Basecamp best practices this year: https://nccardinalsupport.org/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=211
Comment:
I noticed a noticeable change in letting us know the libraries that are adding on and when in advance. It is so appreciated. It helps us plan for when they come on board for resource sharing. Thank you!
Cardinal Response:
That's great! We can plan to announce our scheduled migrations at the beginning of migration season and provide updates to the consortium as we complete each process.
Comment:
Communicate through email lists rather than through the Basecamp
Cardinal Response:
We had mailing lists in the past, but lost access to them. Perhaps filtering your Basecamp notifications differently might help? https://nccardinalsupport.org/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=211
Comment:
I would love for there to be a quick link to a list of NC Cardinal libraries that we could access, and that could easily be attached to individual library websites.
Cardinal Response:
The State Library website includes both an interactive map of NC Cardinal and a list of participating libraries https://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/services-libraries/nc-cardinal
Comment:
Make the Knowledge Book easier to use and understand.
Comment:
In this past year, we undertook a project assessing the usability of the Knowledge Books. Based on the feedback from this project, we are currently working on an improved layout and expansion of the Knowledge Books in the hopes of making them easier to use.
Comment:
I would like customized links to things that a Librarian might need to know as it relates to NC Cardinal
Cardinal Response:
As part of our updates to the Knowledge Books, we are hoping to make the content more workflow-based. If you have specific suggestions for workflows you would like to see covered, please let us know!
Comment:
A search option for the knowledge books that actually works well.
Cardinal Response:
This is something we've spent time trying to solve, and have yet to figure it out. We've worked with the company that provides the software, looked at Google options and tried other alternatives. We'd like to see it improved as well and are continuing to try to improve it.
Comment:
Link to Knowledge Books in green bar
Cardinal Response:
This is something we could help you add to your Evergreen staff login splash page. If you submit a ticket, we can walk you through the process.
Comment:
We are concerned about the spread of legal initiatives like HB 636, the challenges to Student Access cards, and/or the breaking-up of regional systems like A-M-Y. These challenges concern us. We (staff) know that our consortium vastly improves our library services, and we (staff) find it irreplaceable. Most of our patrons thank us every day for services that NCC helps us to provide. You should know that thousands of patrons and staff actively appreciate NC Cardinal!
Cardinal Response:
Thank you. We are also concerned with these trends and how to help libraries navigate through them.
Comment:
Less "projects" or cleanup that involve library staff hours during summer months when library patronage grows due to summer reading and programming.
Cardinal Response:
We can appreciate that the summer months are busy for most libraries. We tend to do most of our project work in the winter, but will keep your request in mind.
General Comments:
Find ways to advocate for funding and find alternative funding sources
Figuring out a way to continue to exist in the face of upcoming federal budget issues.
Cardinal Response:
This is definitely on our mind.
Comment:
Would love to get updates regarding the future of Cardinal in light of IMLS funding elimination. I rely on my director to share info, and he doesn't seem to share much.
Cardinal Response:
IMLS was named in an Executive Order issued on March 14, titled "Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy". Since March 14, IMLS has terminated many awards and employees. However, the Grants to States LSTA program has not been cancelled, and we have received our allotment for federal fiscal year 2025. The future of IMLS is uncertain, and we are continuing to monitor this evolving situation. NC Cardinal will continue to discuss budget scenarios with Cardinal directors, but any decisions or adjustments to the NC Cardinal program will be communicated widely once confirmed. More information about LSTA funding in North Carolina may be found here: https://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/lsta-federal-funding-north-carolina
Comment:
NC Cardinal provides excellent service to libraries and the community's we serve. As long as NC Cardinal continues to grow mindfully and with input from member libraries we will make it through growing pains and funding cuts. The recent NC Cardinal updates and funding scenarios presented to member libraries were timely and invaluable for planning as we are all faced with many uncertainties.
Cardinal Response:
We're glad you found those helpful and appreciate the thoughtful counsel our member libraries have offered as we navigate these challenges.
General Comments:
I don't have anything, the experience has been great for me as a longtime employee of a Polaris system and on every level I've really appreciated all of this experience. Evergreen has its issues, but I love that everything generally has an answer and that there's a culture of working together to concoct solutions.
I'm sure you guys see a lot of repeat complaints, but overall Evergreen functions well for what it is and the scope/diversity of it's users and their expectations.
Thank you for all you do to keep the libraries running seamlessly on a day to day basis! Thank you!
You all are working hard to make the system better for everyone. It is very obvious that you care about feedback and listening to the concerns of library staff. I appreciate you and everything you do!
You're doing an amazing job...I mean, look at this survey! Where is you manager? You need a raise!
Continue all of the various training programs and top notch communication/troubleshooting NC Cardinal is great! You all have made such great changes over the years in response to feedback. We appreciate your constant effort to make it functional and usable for us users! Whether it's answering hard questions, helping with a funky working report, or making seemingly massive changes. Thank you all!
The NC Cardinal team is amazing, keep up the excellent work!
I've stated a lot of negatives with our system, but please don't think that I don't appreciate all of the hard work you all put into it. Everything needs improvements and that's not a reflection of those who are trying to keep it running. Thank you for your work!
Thank you for all of the work you do for each library system and for Cardinal as a whole.
Kudos to the NC Cardinal team for always being open to feedback and suggestions. I appreciate what you all do!
Thanks to Llewellyn for all the development work: improvements, applying bug fixes, and many other things we probably don’t even hear about.
Thanks to Samantha for the improvements to training opportunities. These have become more diverse in content, frequency, and the formats they are offered in.
Cardinal Response:
Thank you for the kind words. We love serving libraries and are always striving to improve the services we provide. We appreciate all the helpful feedback and comments.
Comment:
Give hoopla the option to transfer books to Kindle and allow patrons to check out more than one show in a series at a time with a check out time longer than 3 days.
Cardinal Response:
Unfortunately, this is something outside of our control. We'd suggest reaching out to Hoopla with this suggestion.