The APS library employs the Aeon system of request management from Atlas Systems. Aeon interfaces directly with the library's various databases to enable electronic user requests. This information is retained in a database accessible to the user, permitting him or her to view an entire history of materials paged at the APS over the web. Furthermore, users may request photoduplication of items and electronic delivery from Aeon. Specific workflows are defined below.
Manuscripts Paging
Request links to Aeon are embedded directly into EAD finding aids at every component level (record group, series, file, etc.). Every collection at the APS has an EAD finding aid. These guides to collections may be browsed or searched through MOLE [1]. Users may request materials from EAD finding aids that do not have an inventory by using the "Special Request" link located in the upper righthand corner of the guide. Please consult with reference staff in the library's reading room for assistance.
Since manuscript requests tend to be voluminous, the APS has included a tool to permit a user to group requests together. Upon following a request link, a user is taken to an Aeon page that features the descriptive data concerning the material requested. At the bottom of this request page is a selection area named "End of Request?" to which a user must answer "Finished" or "Unfinshed." The purpose of this section is to prevent staff from retrieving material for a request, delivering it, and then finding another request from the same collection has been submitted. Please help our staff serve you well by taking advantage of this feature.
Printed Materials Paging
As with the manuscripts database, VOLE [2], the library's OPAC, contains embedded request links. Request links are found one an item record page. After performing a search, a user is presented with a list of returned titles. Click on the title desired to view the item listing and request it.
Paging Times
Generally, manuscripts are paged on demand. Please note - between the hours of 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm, staff lunches may delay pages.
Printed materials are paged four times a day: 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm.
Remote Requests
Users are permitted to register with and request materials through Aeon remotely; however, NO materials will be pulled until a user has arrived in the reading room. Please do not request an unreasonable amount of material ahead of time. It is best to request what you need to get started rather than what you think you might want to examine during your visit. Over-long requests will clog the system and lead to delays in beginning your research.
Please note: If you conduct a remote request, you must notify staff that you have done so upon entering the reading room.
Our remote requesting system is designed to accomodate users who will be visiting the APS. If you need remote reference assistance in obtaining information or materials, please contact the Manuscripts department at manuscripts [at] amphilsoc [dot] org.
Photoduplication
Both electronic (scanned materials) and analog (photocopies and prints) may be made through Aeon. Photoduplication requests are separate but related to collections material requests. Use the following steps for a photoduplication request:
- Page materials.
- If you desire photoduplication (this includes microfilm copies & RR copy requests), please complete the Photoduplication Request Form [3] (this step will require you to log in to Aeon).
- A separate photoduplication request must be submitted for each format requested (photocopies, pdf, jpg, etc.).
- Enclose all material to be reproduced in yellow legal paper, which acts as a flag for photoduplication staff, and set the material aside.
- Submit the marked items when you return the material that has been paged to allow staff to mark transactions appropriately.
Please consult with reading room staff if you have any questions or concerns.
Aeon Accounts
Once you have registered with Aeon, navigating through your account is fairly self-explanatory. All navigation is contained in the left-hand menu. The two primary areas of interest are: History Requests, where all user requests may be browsed, and Delivered Items, where electronically delivered photoduplication requests may be retrieved.