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connections:admin:start-up

Start-up guide for new Connections libraries

To set up Connections for your library, we recommend going through these steps:

  1. Log in to the Admin Panel (http://chilifresh.com) and go to the “Connections” tab.
  2. First choose “General Settings” and fill this out; we have further detail on the General Settings options here.
  3. Then choose “My library widget” and add your library's local information; again see further information on My Library content here.
  4. If you subscribe to Novelist content, go to “Novelist content” and add your profile ID and password. Click “update” and “apply to all” to allow all your library's locations to include this content within Connections.
  5. Finally, ensure you have sent us your core bibliographic data (used for both Reviews and Connections); please see our data processing instructions.

That's it - the key setup is done, and Connections is ready for your patrons to enjoy! Connections features for patrons are documented here.

If you're ready to look further, don't forget these additional features:

  • ChiliFresh Cover Art - this is free of charge for Connections libraries. See our Getting started guide for Cover Art for more information.
  • Reference desk chat - our chat function is also free and integrates effortlessly into Connections. See our guide on Using reference desk chat in Connections for information on setting this up and using it.
  • Testing! If you want to try Connections on a test server (e.g. when testing an upgrade of your OPAC), there is an option for setting this up in the Admin Panel under the Connections tab, called “Covered Hosts”. Just follow the instructions there.
  • Mobile pages - information coming soon

There's also help we can offer with promoting Connections:

  • Within the "Landing page and widgets" section of the Admin Panel's Connections area, you can set a URL for your Connections instance and get widget code to add additional links to Connections on your website.
  • Under the “Promo kit” link on the Admin Panel's Connections area, you can access news releases and posters that can assist you with marketing Connections to your patrons.
connections/admin/start-up.txt · Last modified: 2013/04/01 09:17 by georgina