Mastering Aspen: Lists, Browse Categories, and Collection Spotlights

Enhancing Library Catalogs with Aspen: A Comprehensive Guide

Libraries continuously seek innovative ways to organize and present their collections to patrons. Aspen, a robust library catalog system, offers versatile tools for creating lists, browse categories, and collection spotlights. This article delves into advanced tips and workflows to leverage these features effectively, particularly within the Minuteman Library Network.

Understanding Lists in Aspen

Lists in Aspen are essentially collections of selected items curated for various purposes, including staff recommendations, thematic compilations, or events. Creating a list involves either selecting items directly from search results or initiating a new list from the user's account section. For staff lists intended for public viewing, it's crucial to:

• Ensure you're logged in with an Aspen admin account.
• Name the list clearly, incorporating the library's name to avoid user confusion.
• Set the list to public to make it shareable via a URL, without necessarily displaying it in search results unless desired.

Adding items to a list can be done individually or by importing multiple titles or ISBNs, catering to different project needs. This flexibility allows for the efficient creation of virtual equivalents of physical displays or thematic collections.

Browse Categories for Enhanced Discovery

Browse categories serve as curated sections within the Aspen catalog, showcasing lists or search result-based compilations. They enhance discoverability and engage patrons with visually appealing presentations of library materials. Creating a browse category from a list or search results involves:

• Naming the category appropriately and deciding on its visibility in the catalog.
• Optionally, organizing categories into main and subcategories for a structured browsing experience.

This feature supports the creation of specialized displays for events, themes, or specific audiences, making the library's offerings more accessible and engaging.

Collection Spotlights for External Sharing

Collection spotlights extend the functionality of lists and browse categories outside the Aspen catalog. These are embeddable displays that can be incorporated into external websites or newsletters, offering a versatile tool for promoting library collections beyond the catalog interface. Like browse categories, collection spotlights are created from lists or search results but are designed for use in iframes on third-party platforms.

Best Practices and Workflow Tips

• Naming Conventions: Clear, descriptive names for lists and categories help users understand the content and origin of the collections.
• Public vs. Private Settings: Decide on the visibility of your lists based on the intended audience and purpose.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep your lists and categories updated and relevant by removing outdated or less useful ones.
• Leverage ISBNs for Efficiency: Adding multiple titles via ISBNs can streamline the process of creating lists, especially for replicating physical displays or thematic collections.

By following these advanced tips and workflows, library staff can enhance the patron experience, promoting discovery and engagement with the library's collections through Aspen's powerful cataloging tools.

For a deeper dive into utilizing Aspen's features to their fullest, watch the detailed tutorial here.