Update eases off-campus JSTOR access

Home Campus Update eases off-campus JSTOR access
Update eases off-campus JSTOR access
Flickr
Flickr

Hillsdale College’s Mossey Library is on the forefront of testing a new update to Sierra, the software responsible for the library’s catalog, circulation, and book ordering system.

While the Sierra 2.4 update mainly fixes bugs concerning background security issues, it also makes logging into databases like Google Scholar and JSTOR easier from off-campus.

Previously, those databases required additional authentication from students not connecting through campus Wi-Fi, even if they were already logged into their Mossey Library account. Sierra 2.4 removes this redundancy.

Technical service librarian Maurine McCourry said the library takes advantage of updates to Sierra as early as possible, even if that means using a beta version.

“We can provide better service by staying up on the latest version,” McCourry said.

Mossey’s small size allows it to adapt much faster than larger libraries, McCourry said. Problems with updates are often small and involve specific reference materials. As long as staff are made aware of issues, they can usually manage any problems without much fuss, she said.