| web based/online | |
- A web based system
- All users access the system from the same easy to use web interface
- Users can create, edit and cancel their bookings
- Users can have their own personal homepage where they can view bookings and messages
- Clear booking grid which enables users to view availability in a calendar format
| - Can be accessed by users from home or work (inside or outside of the corporate network)
- No additional licenses are required
- Reduces the time and effort involved with deploying and upgrading connect2
- Enhances the self-service environment, eliminating the need for staff involvement
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| self-registration | |
- Enables users to create their own accounts including username and password, with a forgotten username/password tool
- Duplicate user detection tool
- Import rules enables users to automatically be assigned to the correct group e.g. adult/child
- Ability for users to update their personal information
| - Eliminates the the administration tasks associated with account set-ups
- Ensures that those already in the system do not set up a new account and create duplicate accounts
- Allows users to keep their account information up to date without the need to ask a staff member to make amendments on their behalf
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| wizard pages | |
- Customisable wizard pages provide step by step guidance on using connect2
- Essential information such as contact details can be collected from the user
- Customisable wizards mean that users only see information that is relevant to them
| - Users are able to follow the booking process without the assistance of a member of staff
- Automated collection of user information eliminates the need for staff to 'chase up' the user for such details
- Presenting relevant information makes the customer experience more enjoyable
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| messages/notifications | |
- Ability to send automated messages to users, for example, send a message to a user to let them know that their booking has been cancelled
- Notifies the booking owner if a booking is amended by a member of staff
| - Quick and easy to communicate with citizens
- Reduces administration through automation
- Eliminates confrontation between staff and users
- Reduces 'no shows' by sending messages to users
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| roles | |
- Ability to divide users into groups e.g. children, adult, citizen and staff
- Each group can have individual permissions and rules assigned to them
| - Ensures appropriate control is maintained e.g. staff may be able to book a meeting room that citizens do not have permission to book
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| booking rules | |
- Booking rules can be applied to each resource and/or different user roles
- Limitations can also be applied e.g. how far in advance a booking can be made or how many resources can be borrowed at one time
- Apply open hours and holidays so that resources cannot be used during this period
- Bookings can be cancelled automatically if a user misses their booking within a specified time
| - Maintains control over resources and users
- Ensures resources are used appropriately and fairly by assigning adequate amounts of booking time to them
- Encourages resources to be returned promptly through the use of booking rules
- Automatic cancellation of a booking enables the resource to be made available again for booking by another user
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| centralisation | |
- All resource and booking information is stored in one central system
- The status of each booking can be viewed at any time
| - All bookings for all users and all sites can be viewed on one central system
- Information on all bookings can be gathered quickly, making it less time consuming for staff
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| searching facility | |
- Resources etc can easily be searched for
- Searchable fields are customisable, e.g. users might search for resources by location or type
- Through the use of 'role settings', the search facility will only provide search results that are relevant to the user
| - Users can quickly find what they are looking for
- Only relevant information is presented to users, making the booking experience a more efficient and enjoyable one
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| recurring bookings | |
- Enables recurring bookings to be made in one booking, e.g. a daily or monthly booking
- Using the recreate feature, staff and citizens are able to set up recurring bookings quickly
| - Facilitates easy management of block bookings e.g. weekly sports pitch bookings
- Simplifies and speeds up the booking process
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| customisation | |
- Add your library's logo and branding
- Customise text, rules and options to suit your library
- Customise and add specific messages
| - Ensures that the system integrates seamlessly into your library
- Allows connect2 to be used as a promotional tool for your library
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| ability to show terms and conditions | |
- Through 'conditions' pages, create a terms and conditions or acceptable usage policy page
- The public have to accept this in order to make a booking
| - Allows you to ensure the public are presented with and accept any regulations, laws and procedures
- The facility to state the library's responsibility
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| integration | |
- connect2 can link to your LMS or external database via a connector
- Enables users to be automatically authenticated to create a booking without staff intervention
| - No need to create a separate database
- Citizen information can be automatically updated with amendments to the data held in the LMS
- The booking system becomes part of your network architecture
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