A successful catalogue rollout depends less on technology and more on preparation, communication, and thoughtful timing. Whether you’re refreshing the look and feel, introducing grouped search, or making the system mobile-friendly, the key is to bring your users along for the ride.
Below, we walk through six important stages to help you plan a confident, user-focused rollout of your new OPAC:
1. Understand What’s New
Before you can promote your new OPAC, your team needs to know what’s different and why it matters
- What will users notice first? A cleaner layout? Better grouping of results?
- How does it improve their experience? Does it work better on mobile? Is it easier to navigate?
- Can staff explain these changes in simple, benefit-driven language?
This isn’t just about learning the features – it’s about being able to answer the inevitable question from users: “How do I find my loans?” When your team understands what’s new, they’re better equipped to make users feel excited, not confused.
2. Staff Communication and Training
Before launch, every team member should feel informed and confident. Even if they’re not responsible for troubleshooting technical issues, they’ll be fielding questions from users – and consistency matters.
Here’s a quick checklist to get you started:
- Has the internal rollout timeline been shared clearly?
- Is there a cheat sheet or staff FAQ available?
- Have staff walkthroughs or training sessions been held?
- Do staff know who to contact internally if something doesn’t look or feels right?
Don’t underestimate how valuable peer confidence is – when staff feel supported, users feel supported.
3. Preparing to Support Users
A great OPAC rollout makes users feel like they’re getting an upgrade, not facing a learning curve. Preparing the right resources in advance helps reduce confusion and builds trust.
Again, a quick checklist:
- Have you created a short FAQ answering likely user questions?
- Do you know what changes might surprise your users? (e.g. “Where’s the old, advanced search?”)
- Have you communicated to your users about this?
- Are promotional banners, posters, or digital announcements ready to go?
Promoting key benefits like improved mobile access or faster browsing, is more effective than focusing on “new features.” Lead with what users gain, not just what’s changed.
4. Testing & Systems Check
Before go-live, testing is essential – not just for functionality, but for peace of mind.
- Can users search, log in, place holds, and renew items successfully?
- Do third-party integrations (eBook platforms, digital resources, etc.) display properly?
- Are any broken links or display issues flagged and addressed?
This step is often what separates a confident launch from a reactive one. Don’t skip it.
5. Launch Day Confidence
By the time your new OPAC goes live, your team should feel ready. That means:
- Knowing exactly when the change is happening
- Having quick-reference help material at hand
- Designating a “go-to” person for common questions or fixes
- Having a process to collect and respond to user feedback
Even the most polished OPAC launch can come with a few surprises. The goal isn’t perfection – it’s being prepared to respond quickly and making sure users feel supported and heard.
6. After Launch
The first few weeks post-launch are your opportunity to gather feedback, spot gaps, and keep building momentum.
- Are users finding what they need more easily?
- What questions are being asked repeatedly?
- Are there opportunities to promote underused features?
Don’t treat launch as the end point. Check in with staff, monitor usage data if available, and ask for input from your community. Users love being part of the improvement process – and the insights you gather will help shape future updates.
Bonus Tip: Start Early
The best OPAC rollouts begin before go-live. Communicating in advance, training staff early, and offering sneak peeks to users can ease anxiety and build anticipation. The earlier your team and users understand what’s coming, the more likely they are to embrace it.
Ready for What’s Next?
Want to see what a modern, intuitive OPAC for public libraries can look like? Montage is designed to make the discovery experience easy – for users and staff alike. From grouped results to responsive design, it’s built to help your library shine.