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Newsletter
Issue 2 - Spring 2024
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We've completed several updates to the Palace suite of products over the last few months, including: | |
- A resolution for errors with duplicate push notifications
- Search within EPUBs
- Language localization on Android
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Focused On Discovery
We understand that patrons are only able to borrow titles if they know where to find them. As such, one of our biggest priorities moving forward is to focus on discovery. While this is a long-term effort, we’re excited to announce that we’ve partnered with ByWater Solutions to make Palace items available in the Aspen Discovery layer and the LiDA app.
In an era where rising ebook costs cripple library budgets, making content both accessible and discoverable is of utmost importance. With this partnership, Lyrasis and ByWater Solutions aim to make the patron browsing experience even more streamlined, showcasing a fuller picture of library collections in one place. This work showcases the strength of open-source software and highlights the power of collaboration to change the relationship between libraries, vendors and technology.
We will continue to pursue direct relationships with other ILS and discovery vendors. Currently, we are working to get on the development roadmap for integration with SirsiDynix products. With Sirsi, community members vote on prioritizing new features and work is scheduled based on their responses. Sirsi customers can vote to have Palace integrated into their ILS and discovery layer. If you’re interested in seeing your Palace Marketplace records within your catalog or discovery layer, contact support@thepalaceproject.org for more information.
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Analytics Update
You’ve asked, we’ve heard you and we will deliver! We are nearing the final stages of refining and testing our updated analytics dashboard. In addition to the raw data CSV, we’ll be implementing better reporting to get you the information you need quickly. You’ll find easier access to reporting on the total number of monthly checkouts, checkouts by format, distributor, genre and more. We’ll notify libraries when we’re ready to launch and we will continue to iterate and refine based on library feedback.
Keep an eye on what we’re working on with our Public Roadmap.
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Bundle Your Palace Hosting with Exclusive Content
Did you know about this special perk for Palace partner libraries? We’re now able to offer bundled subscription content from the two providers below alongside your annual hosting fees.
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Unlimited Listens offers a niche collection of over 5,000 unlimited, simultaneous access audiobooks including Christian Fiction, Inspirational, Clean Romance, Classics, Spanish and Popular Fiction content for children and adults. Content is updated monthly, with 25+ new titles added to your collection at no additional cost to you! Request access to view the full Unlimited Listens catalog. | |
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Indie Author Project Select is a unique collection consisting of awards winners from statewide Indie Author contests, the Black Caucus of the ALA awards, Library Journal eBook awards and more. Curated by professional reviewers and librarians alike, this collection delivers diverse and exciting new literary voices directly to your readers with no holds, checkouts or waitlists! Give your patrons unlimited access to the best of the best in indie publishing with the Best of the Indie Author Project eBook Collection.
Please contact Valerie KAV Kavanagh, Manager of Outreach at valerie.kavanagh@lyrasis.org for more information about either the Unlimited Listens or Indie Author Project Select collections.
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New Featured Custom Curated Carts Available in the Palace Marketplace
Banned Books: Promote the freedom to read with frequently challenged titles
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Need Help Curating Your Library’s Collection?
The Palace Project offers curation services for all Palace Project library partners at no cost. Our tenured Curation Corps of librarians are here to help.
Contact info@thepalaceproject.org or schedule a meeting with Valerie KAV Kavanagh, Manager of Outreach to learn about our content offerings and how your library can get curation assistance.
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Upcoming Events & Trainings | |
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This quarter (April, May, and June), we are excited about multiple heritage and cultural celebrations including Arab American Heritage Month, National Poetry Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month and Pride Month. Additionally, summer means that many libraries will be kicking off their Summer Reading Programs! For each of these events, your library can create a themed list and lane to feature related content at the top of your catalog in the Palace app. For more information on how to create customized lists and lanes for your library, check out our training videos.
We are excited about these featured titles in the Palace Marketplace!
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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month | |
"The Real Americans"
by Rachel Khong | |
"Memory Piece"
by Lisa Ko | |
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"Goddess of the River"
by Vaishnavi Patel
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"Perfume & Pain"
by Anna Dorn
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"We Mostly Come
Out At Night"
by Rob Costello
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"Becoming Ted"
by Matt Cain
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The Palace Project IMLS Grant Report Part 1
In 2020, Lyrasis received an IMLS grant to develop and pilot an ebook and audiobook service for state and public libraries. The Palace Project deploys a cloud-based, remotely supported digital library reading platform for collection management and provides a curated set of ebooks and audiobooks through the Palace app and Virtual Library Card (VLC) that allows immediate patron access. During the grant period of September 2020 through February 2024, Lyrasis developed and tested service components, piloted the service for 17 months with pilot libraries, provided training and support for library staff and their patrons, and assessed value and impact for libraries and patrons. To learn more about the project, click the link below:
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