We are excited to share an update about a new Aspen feature that helps limit search results in your library's instance of Aspen. While not standardized across SWAN, we identified many common item types where holds are limited to patrons of the owning library. Using this information, we created a filter that will exclude these items from appearing in your catalog if they are not your library's materials. This means your patrons will see fewer unrelated records when browsing for your library's unique materials such as laptops, hotspots, and other equipment.
While this won't catch every record, it is a big step in reducing clutter and making sure your nontraditional materials don't get lost in the mix. You can find the affected item types marked with an asterisk (*) on our Item Configuration page. Downers Grove Public Library is currently live with this filter, so feel free to compare searches for tools, electronic devices, and other LOT items in their instance of Aspen with your own.
This will go live for all SWAN libraries on Tuesday, September 30th. If you, or your patrons, still want to browse the full catalog, the general SWAN catalog (https://catalog.swanlibraries.net) will not have this filter applied. As always, if you have any questions or want to discuss the item types your library uses, please reach out. If your library would like to adopt this filter early, or opt out completely, please submit a ticket.
Thank you to Downers Grove for being an early adopter and to DUX for providing input on the items that should be included in the filter.