We are pleased to be launching a new series series designed to keep Communico users informed about the latest enhancements and changes to the platform. In addition to posting to the blog, all Administrators will be emailed a summary of the most recent and significant updates that have been made. If you're not an Administrator, subscribe to email updates to be notified about new posts.
Where possible, new features are disabled by default. These features are indicated by an asterisk such as this: *. Please contact Support by email at support@communico.us or by submitting a ticket from within Control Panel to get started with these features.
ATTEND
External Events
Using an external venue to manage virtual events has now become common practice. Now, just like the option available when creating an in-library event, you may now choose “apply to all dates” when creating an external event, alleviating the need to add event details to each date individually.
3rd Party Registration Links
Event templates have been adjusted to allow for third party registration links.
Age Requirements
We have added a warning about event age requirements to the staff side. When an age restriction exists on an event and a staff member attempts to register a patron outside the age restriction using their library card, a warning appears in Control Panel.
Relative Date Filters
Patron-facing changes include the ability to use “tomorrow” as a relative date filter on patron-facing event calendars. You can learn more about other available filters on our Communico College page here.
All Day Events
For events that are created using the “all day” button, the registration email will now simply indicate the time as “all day”.
Patron Opt-in for Text Messages*
Patrons may now be given the ability to opt-in for text message confirmations and reminders. When enabled, a checkbox will appear near the phone field allowing the patron to decide if they'd like to opt-in to receive text messages. SMS messaging must be enabled in order to take advantage of this feature and is currently only available for Attend and Reserve. For more information about enabling SMS messaging for Attend please reach out to the support team. This feature is also available for Reserve.
BROADCAST
Hold Scene
Improvements to the slideshow functionality to ensure that clicking the “hold scene” button on any given slide prevents the scene/slideshow from advancing.
CONTROL PANEL
Short Date Formats*
You may now specify short date formats used within notifications. Available options are MM/DD/YYYY. Or DD/MM/YYYY.
CREATE
Exception Note Messages
Location widgets now display the exception notes when changes are made to default location information, allowing you to give patrons an explanation for the change. The explanation is structured to state “We’re closed DAY MONTH DATE due to REASON”.
Spanish Diacritics
Spanish diacritics (accent marks, cedilla, etc) have been added, allowing users to properly include the Spanish language in their form labels and fields in Create.
Enhanced Video Capabilities
Editing capabilities for videos have been enhanced. Videos added from YouTube or Vimeo will now pull in associated fields for the URL, AutoStart and other settings without needing to save the widget.
Misc. Updates to Content Editor
While using the Create editor, hyperlinks will no longer be activated by left click. Additional general improvements were made to improve stability of the tool while editing.
RESERVE
Metric System*
Communico users that use the metric system may now describe room size details in meters instead of feet.
Patron Opt-in for Text Messages*
Patrons may now be given the ability to opt-in for text message confirmations and reminders. When enabled, a checkbox will appear near the phone field allowing the patron to decide if they'd like to opt-in to receive text messages. SMS messaging must be enabled in order to take advantage of this feature and is currently only available for Attend and Reserve. For more information about enabling SMS messaging for reserve please reach out to the support team. This feature is also available for Attend.
Requiring Library Cards for Certain User Classes*
In addition to being able to apply specific rules to each user class policy, you may now decide which policy will require library cards and which do not. For example, you may require library cards for all meeting rooms under your patron user class whereas a study room reservation does not require one. If you would like to enable this option, you will be required to fill out a new policy form; please reach out to support and they will provide you the necessary document.
ROOM BOOKER APPLICATION
Room Lock Integration
Room Lock integration is now available for use with the Room Booker Application.
SCHEDULE
Additional Status Options
There are two new status options available within Schedule, in addition to marking a patron a no-show: Preparation Complete and Complete. These new statuses can be found by clicking the "more" button.
Preparation Complete: This allows you to note the patron’s items have been pulled and are ready for pickup.
Complete: Use this status once the patron has arrived and collected their items.
STAY IN TOUCH!
*To begin using this feature, please contact Support at support@communico.us or by submitting a ticket from within Control Panel.
