This is the third section of the introduction module to the Alma Overviews course. The video is at the top of the page, followed by the script.
In this video, you'll review:
Let’s look at the rest of the home page.
Persistent Search
Below the main menu is the persistent search bar – so named because it appears on every page in Alma. The Searching module of this Overview course will demonstrate the many ways to search in Alma, but let’s quickly review the basics of the persistent search bar now.
To perform a basic search, choose a Search Type from the first column; once you choose a search type, the Search Criteria will be limited to only the fields in that type of record. As you can see, the criteria for Invoice searches are very different than the criteria for Physical Items searches
Once you’ve chosen your Search Type and Search Criteria, type in the term or phrase you want to search for, then hit Enter or click on the magnifying glass. The results will display below the search bar, and you can limit by facets on the left or sort your list.
Advanced Search
The simple search is incredibly robust, but there is an Advanced Search to select multiple criteria and quickly get a specific set of results.
Additional Search Options
For both basic and advanced searches, you can click on Save Query on the right to save the search query to re-run in the future and get current results.
You can export any list of results as an Excel file by clicking on the Export icon, for offline review.
To customize what displays in your list of search results, and in what order, click on the Gear icon.
We will review facets, sorting, exporting, and customization in the Searching module of the Alma Overviews course.
Recently-Used Information
Because you log in to Alma as an individual, it will remember what you recently did or what you recently looked for. This makes it faster to go to the same place or conduct the same search. Look for the “clock running backwards” icon to indicate recently-used information.
On the Home Page: Below the search bar is a line of Recently Visited Pages, and a single click will get you back to something you were working on previously.
In a search: If you click in the search field or start typing, Alma will suggest terms you’ve searched for before. This is useful if you need to find something again a few days later. Note: You can’t delete these terms, and if you clear your browser form information, they will disappear.
Widgets
At the bottom of the home page is a space for you to add widgets. A widget is a small container for information on a web page. In Alma, these widgets can display information about the Alma system or the library, or charts and tables of data from the Alma database.
To add a widget to your home page:
- Click on the plus sign on the right side of the screen.
- Click on the box next to the widget you want to add. That widget will come in behind the dialog box, usually in the left column.
- Click on the X in the upper right dialogue box or hit the ESC key to close the box.
You can click and drag the title bar of a widget to move it anywhere on your home page.
To remove a widget, click on the downward-facing arrow in the upper right corner of the widget box, then click on Remove. To remove a number of widgets at once, click on the plus sign and unclick the tickyboxes.
Now, for a few last Alma tidbits.
Alert Boxes
Occasionally, you might see a box at the top of the home page that is either a yellowish-orange or bright red. These are system alert boxes, and LTS staff will add them if there is a reason to. Right now, the one in the sandbox reminds you that you’re working in the sandbox, and not the production environment.
On-Screen Help
Alma often provides on-screen help. If you hover your mouse over a button or an icon, Alma will tell you what that icon means, what that button does, and sometimes suggest a keyboard shortcut. For example:
- If you hover over the star, it reminds you that this is the Quick Links menu icon
- If you hover over the double arrow, it tells you that it’s the “find a menu” link AND gives you the keyboard shortcut (Alt + Ctrl + F)
The first time you go to any page, take a moment to just move your cursor around the screen over different links and buttons and icons. Let Alma tell you what they’re for, and then refer to your training for how to use them.
Context-dependent menus
Throughout your training in Alma, you’ll see that many screens will change depending on options you select. These are called “context-dependent options” – the options change depending on the context you’ve chosen. We saw this with the criteria for search types and another example comes when making a request, the first question asks what kind of request you’re making, and the next fields change depending on what you choose.
On the home page, the options underneath the main menu headings will change depending on:
- Your account permissions
- Your location
For instance, if your location is not at a circulation desk, you will not see any circulation functions. If you don't have permission to perform a function, you won't see it listed in the menu choices.
The idea of these context-based menus is to 'tidy up' your workspace. Again, if you can't see a function you need to do your job, let your manager know immediately. We want you to be able to do your work.
The Back Button
The best way to move back a page in Alma is to use the on-screen back arrow, not the back icon in your browser. This is because if you use the browser button, Alma might refresh your search results page or the fields you were working on. If you use the back arrow or a back button on the page, like this, Alma knows where you’re trying to get back to and will take you there.