What if your library catalog could help patrons discover and request books your library doesn't yet own?
With Demand-Driven Acquisitions (DDA), libraries can make more titles discoverable while giving patrons a simple way to request the materials they want, directly from the catalog.
Currently, patrons who want a title their library doesn't own often need to discover it elsewhere, search the library catalog to confirm it's unavailable, and then complete a separate purchase request form. This project will streamline that experience by integrating records for titles available through Ingram directly into Aspen Discovery and Aspen LiDA search results. Patrons will be able to discover and request these titles alongside materials the library already owns.
For example, if a library owns the regular print and eBook versions of a title but not the large print edition, Aspen will display the large print edition alongside the other formats, with a button allowing patrons to request that the library purchase it. The same functionality will extend to series, helping patrons discover and request missing titles.
Libraries will retain control over their collections and purchasing budgets. Administrators will be able to configure which titles are displayed based on factors such as format, price, subject, audience, and publication date.
This project will make it easier for patrons to discover the materials they want while helping libraries make informed, demand-driven collection development decisions. By reducing barriers between discovery, requests, and purchasing, Aspen can help libraries build collections that better reflect the interests and needs of their communities.