Athenaeum Pro Quick Manual 2013-2017

Getting Started

Some quick notes on where to go to find what you need.

Don’t get overwhelmed

Athenaeum Pro is a powerful program with many options. Start with the simple things and then build on them when you are ready.

Many Users

There are many kinds of users of Athenaeum Pro, such as community libraries, school libraries, private libraries, etc., each of whom use Athenaeum differently. To be flexible, Athenaeum has many preferences, some of which will have no relevence to you at all.

Documentation & Resources

Ensure that you have at your disposal all available resources.

Documentation
This document in either pdf or on the Athenaeum web site
Athenaeum Downloads
The web page with links to useful files http://www.librarysoftware.co.nz/downloadspro/
Athenaeum Newsletters
Short (usually 1 page) newsletters we put out about twice per year http://www.librarysoftware.co.nz/newsletters/
Athenaeum YouTube Channel
Short videos, usually silent, showing how to achieve various tasks https://www.youtube.com/user/athenaeumsoftware
E-mail
support@librarysoftware.co.nz
Support web site
The support page describing all other forms of support http://www.librarysoftware.co.nz/support/
Athenaeum Notes
A web-site containing topical notes (note… Athenaeum Notes is currently down after a recent server change…watch this space)

Accounts

There are three main “account types” or users in Athenaeum:

  • Administrators
  • Issue
  • “Guests” or OPAC

These are set when you are logging in to Athenaeum or when you “re-login”. Each has a default password, which can be changed.

You can also create custom accounts or - if you are using FileMaker Server with Athenaeum - authenticate against an Active Directory or Open Directory to use your normal network account and password.

See the accounts chapter for more information.

Set-up

The set-up chapter contains all of the information you need to get going. Pay particular attention to:

  • network set up
  • OPAC configuration (how the “guest” screens look)
  • Catalogue configuration

Familiarise yourself with the Athenaeum Structure which defines the modules of Athenaeum which are the building blocks of storing, finding and reporting on information; as well as how to quickly navigate around the program.

tip: learn a few of the keyboard shortcuts to very quickly move around program. As you become comfortable, learn some more.