campbellfam
enthusiast
Posts: 1849
Loc: Allen, TX, USA
Reg: 07-12-02
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07-07-09 10:20 AM - Post#89210
It's really frustrating to wait patiently for a book, finally get to the #1 spot then the next day be #3. Or to sign up thinking you're a low number on the waitlist, then when the book comes out be #144 on the list. 
I keep meaning to ask at the library but I seem to only remember when they're closed or when I'm upset about it (always a good idea to calm down before I call).
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AmyS
member
Posts: 78
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 11-12-01
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07-07-09 01:25 PM - Post#89235
In response to campbellfam
I usually keep about 20 items on my request list at any given time, and have never experienced any of the problems you listed. I do know that when you are reserving a copy of a new book or one that is "on order", that you have to make sure you are reserving a copy at the Allen Library and not one at the Plano branches. Sometimes it's not apparent on the "on order" books. I know the library staff would be happy to talk about it with you in hopes of relieving your frustrations! :)
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campbellfam
enthusiast
Posts: 1849
Loc: Allen, TX, USA
Reg: 07-12-02
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07-07-09 11:30 PM - Post#89267
In response to AmyS
I was on the waitlist for a book at one of the Plano libraries since April (it released today) I checked a couple of times a week to see if Allen had it on order yet. Last month I finally saw that Allen had it listed and put my name on the list- I was number 1 on the list until this morning when I looked and was number 144. So apparently there is a list somewhere that I am not seeing and was just curious if anyone knows how it works...
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rclark
enthusiast
Posts: 800
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 01-16-08
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07-08-09 12:11 AM - Post#89268
In response to campbellfam
I can't help with the waitlist question.
However, that card catalog/request/renewal system is the worst on the planet. I've had a lot of trouble getting the system to refresh and show me that it successfully renewed a book. The catalog side is even worse. I don't think I could deliberately write a more defective search system. You can put in the exact title in to the title search, and the book in question will not show up in the top twenty listings.
It would not surprise me at all if the waitlist system is equally broken. Who knows how it should work, or if it works as intended.
Two plus two equals five, for sufficiently large values of two.
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SB
enthusiast
Posts: 1135
Reg: 09-07-03
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07-08-09 03:48 AM - Post#89269
In response to rclark
The default search is a keyword search with results sorted by title. So, the system searches for words typed in to appear anywhere in the title field and then arranges the matches alphabetically. This would result in what you describe.
Choose a "Browse" search, type in a title and you'll see an alphabetical list of titles beginning with the title you entered.
I understand why this (or a general keyword search) is the default search in many catalog systems. A keyword search will give more matches and many folks remember words from a title and not the exact title. However, in my experience it gives confusing results to the unwary searcher.
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rclark
enthusiast
Posts: 800
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 01-16-08
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07-08-09 09:44 AM - Post#89278
In response to SB
Yes, the alpha sort is contributing to the problem, but I think there is also a nonintuitive definition of "title field", too. I just want it to work like Amazon :).
As usual, I'm wandering off topic. I hope the OP can get an answer, and post it here. I'm interested in how the hold system works - I've avoided it so far because the rest of the system is so annoying.
Two plus two equals five, for sufficiently large values of two.
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2pugs
member
Posts: 80
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 05-31-05
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07-08-09 11:34 AM - Post#89291
In response to campbellfam
To the OP: the only explanation I can think of is that requests can be suspended, and in that case they won't show in the total hold count. Whenever those same requests are reactivated, those patrons will still have their original spot in line, thus pushing your request back if they had placed it before you.
Also, when an item is listed as being both at the Allen and at the Plano libraries, the hold count will be cumulative, but your own place in line will depend on how many people placed a hold before you at the library you selected. So if there are a lot of requests for one item in Plano, but only a few in Allen and you requested for that item to be held in Allen, you may get it much sooner than the total tally would indicate.
I hope that makes sense! 
| Allen resident since 03/2003. |
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SB
enthusiast
Posts: 1135
Reg: 09-07-03
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07-08-09 01:33 PM - Post#89300
In response to rclark
It's just my personal preference but I hate Amazon's catalog search. It doesn't offer results of a title search to be sorted by title. What's with that! The default search is a keyword (all fields) search - a broader search than the Allen PL's catalog. The default sort is by relevance and I'd ask relevant to whom? The title field search is also a keyword search - like Allen PL's default search - but results can't be sorted in a meaningful way like by title.
I think the library catalog system vendors are trying to mimic Amazon because it is so successful but they are copying a flawed catalog interface.
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campbellfam
enthusiast
Posts: 1849
Loc: Allen, TX, USA
Reg: 07-12-02
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07-08-09 05:04 PM - Post#89340
In response to 2pugs
LOL, 2 pugs- it did make sense except that I had been on Plano's waitlist since April so I feel like I should have been higher on the list.
I was so frustrated I just went and bought the book...
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