Quick Reference

While the KLAS UI is fixed in size and shape, the font face, size, and boldness can be adjusted using an ini file. To use the example text file, rename it from user.txt to user.ini and save it in the location indicated in the instructions (you will need to create the folder and subfolder). 

If you have difficulty modifying your fonts, or need any additional assistance in making KLAS meet your access needs, please contact Keystone Customer Support at  or using the Support button on this page.

While the KLAS UI is fixed in size and shape, the font face, size, and boldness can be adjusted using an ini file. To use the example text file, rename it from user.txt to user.ini and save it in the location indicated in the instructions (you will need to create the folder and subfolder). 

If you have difficulty modifying your fonts, or need any additional assistance in making KLAS meet your access needs, please contact Keystone Customer Support at  or using the Support button on this page.

Whenever someone starts using KLAS with a screen-reader, we offer specialized training to help them get set up, oriented, and working.

However, as we all know, it's tough to really learn KLAS in just a few days. Plus, even for experienced users, it can be tricky going back to a task you haven't done for a while. Both of these can be an even bigger challenge for our users who work with screen-readers, due to the increased amount of memorization required. The Keystone Customer Support team is always happy to help, but for those who just need a little more context to get back on track, we have a specialized Assistive Technology (AT) Reference document that could be just the thing!

This reference is intended as a supplement to the built-in User Guide and our general How-Tos and Quick Tips. For each module in KLAS, the document gives an overview, contextual information, and relevant key commands.

If you or an AT user you know need an update for this document, the download links below have the freshest, up-to-date version. Hot off the press, in a manner of speaking! And we'll be sure to keep it updated, so whenever you get a KLAS upgrade be sure to check the Documents -> Quick Ref page of KLASusers to see if there's a new version!

Hint, hint: KLAS 7.7 will definitely call for an AT Ref update! That version will be posted as soon as it's available.

One last thing -- as you may notice, this thing is a bit of a beast to update. So, if you note any missing or incorrect screens or functions, please drop me a line! It's important to me to provide useful assistance for our users, so I'll appreciate the heads-up and get the correct information into a new version ASAP.

The AT Reference document available below is intended as a supplement to the built-in Userguide and to our general How-To's and Quick Tips. For each module in KLAS, the document gives an overview, contextual information, and relevant key commands.

The Duplication QuickRef lists duplication-focused keyboard commands and describes the new, duplication-focused screens and features. 

The AT Reference document available below is intended as a supplement to the built-in Userguide and to our general How-To's and Quick Tips. For each module in KLAS, the document gives an overview, contextual information, and relevant key commands.

The Duplication QuickRef lists duplication-focused keyboard commands and describes the new, duplication-focused screens and features. 

Highlights from the first year of our Thursday Tips series.

{slider Catalogue}

Do you need a new shelf? - Your KLAS database is set up with one or more "shelves" so you can record where your books and other items are stored. This post shares a couple reasons why you might consider adding a new Shelf to your set-up.

Invalid Language Fix- Do you have odd language entries in your catalog? This post can explain how they get there, how to check for them, and how to fix them.

{slider Patron Services}

Book Search series - The Book Search is a powerful tool with a ton of options! Check this series for downloadable quick-tips to help you get the most out of your searches.

• Book Search, Part I: Search Indexes
• Book Search, Part II: Search Limits
• Book Search, Part III: Sorting Options
• Book Search, Part IV: Save

Patron Merge- The Merge Patron tool will help you copy information between these records and get all of the patron's info in one place. Learn how it works and download a quick-tip with step-by-step instructions.

Reserves and NSCutoff - Do reserves obey the NSCutoff (nightly service cut-off)? It depends on your library! Read up on the pros and cons of each approach, and better understand how reserves work for your organization. 

Serve Codes - How well do you understand your Patron Profile Serve Codes? NA, OL, TA... it can sound like alphabet soup, but it actually follows a standard formula! Learn the ins and outs on this post.

{slider Serials}

How to Copy Subscribers from one Serial to Another - Download this QuickTip for instructions and a screenshot. This method will work anytime a serial is being replaced by or even just supplemented with a similar title.

{slider WebOPAC}

Browse Page (pre-defined searches) - Anything that you can search for in the catalog can be listed on the Browse page as a pre-defined search, and while the Recent and Popular titles are a good start, there are a lot more options! 

{slider KLAS Core}

Moving / Sorting Columns- Did you know that you can rearrange most of the browse tables displayed in KLAS? Find out how and download a quick-tip with more detailed instructions.

Summer Reading Queries - Download a HowTo document that will help you build queries for your Summer Reading program, or any other outreach opportunity!

Query and Search Operators - Do you know what all of the query and Search Operators in KLAS mean? Here's a cheatsheet!

Saving Queries- Do you use any queries over and over? Save yourself time and headache by saving the query--a downloadable quick-tip will show you how.

Administrators: How and Why to use Security Groups - This is a powerful option that many admins don't know much about, so read up here and get ahead of the curve.

{slider Keystone Training}

Training: How do you do it and how can we help?Sound off here to help steer the future of Keystone training!

{slider NLS Libraries}

BARD Load Errors - Don't suffer in silence! When you start looking through your BARD load errors, it's easy to get overwhelmed. But I have good news: there are really only four kinds of errors, and they're all easy to fix. Find out how in this post.

{slider IRCs and IMCs}

WebOrder Help Page - Each year, you need to create the record for the new fiscal year / school year using Period Maintenance. Read up on the details here. 

{slider RA / Reader Advisor}

Quick Preferences- Find out how to add preferences for your patrons more quickly and easily, and download a quick-tip with detailed instructions.

{/sliders}

Highlights from the first year of our Thursday Tips series.

{slider Catalogue}

Do you need a new shelf? - Your KLAS database is set up with one or more "shelves" so you can record where your books and other items are stored. This post shares a couple reasons why you might consider adding a new Shelf to your set-up.

Invalid Language Fix- Do you have odd language entries in your catalog? This post can explain how they get there, how to check for them, and how to fix them.

{slider Patron Services}

Book Search series - The Book Search is a powerful tool with a ton of options! Check this series for downloadable quick-tips to help you get the most out of your searches.

• Book Search, Part I: Search Indexes
• Book Search, Part II: Search Limits
• Book Search, Part III: Sorting Options
• Book Search, Part IV: Save

Patron Merge- The Merge Patron tool will help you copy information between these records and get all of the patron's info in one place. Learn how it works and download a quick-tip with step-by-step instructions.

Reserves and NSCutoff - Do reserves obey the NSCutoff (nightly service cut-off)? It depends on your library! Read up on the pros and cons of each approach, and better understand how reserves work for your organization. 

Serve Codes - How well do you understand your Patron Profile Serve Codes? NA, OL, TA... it can sound like alphabet soup, but it actually follows a standard formula! Learn the ins and outs on this post.

{slider Serials}

How to Copy Subscribers from one Serial to Another - Download this QuickTip for instructions and a screenshot. This method will work anytime a serial is being replaced by or even just supplemented with a similar title.

{slider WebOPAC}

Browse Page (pre-defined searches) - Anything that you can search for in the catalog can be listed on the Browse page as a pre-defined search, and while the Recent and Popular titles are a good start, there are a lot more options! 

{slider KLAS Core}

Moving / Sorting Columns- Did you know that you can rearrange most of the browse tables displayed in KLAS? Find out how and download a quick-tip with more detailed instructions.

Summer Reading Queries - Download a HowTo document that will help you build queries for your Summer Reading program, or any other outreach opportunity!

Query and Search Operators - Do you know what all of the query and Search Operators in KLAS mean? Here's a cheatsheet!

Saving Queries- Do you use any queries over and over? Save yourself time and headache by saving the query--a downloadable quick-tip will show you how.

Administrators: How and Why to use Security Groups - This is a powerful option that many admins don't know much about, so read up here and get ahead of the curve.

{slider Keystone Training}

Training: How do you do it and how can we help?Sound off here to help steer the future of Keystone training!

{slider NLS Libraries}

BARD Load Errors - Don't suffer in silence! When you start looking through your BARD load errors, it's easy to get overwhelmed. But I have good news: there are really only four kinds of errors, and they're all easy to fix. Find out how in this post.

{slider IRCs and IMCs}

WebOrder Help Page - Each year, you need to create the record for the new fiscal year / school year using Period Maintenance. Read up on the details here. 

{slider RA / Reader Advisor}

Quick Preferences- Find out how to add preferences for your patrons more quickly and easily, and download a quick-tip with detailed instructions.

{/sliders}

Both Gutenberg & Scribe

What do you do about Withdrawn Titles? - Key Notes post February 26, 2022

Automatic Status Updates for Duplication-Ready Titles - Key Notes post April 19, 2021

Shuffle the Deck- Key Notes post August 26, 2020

Locally Produced Titles- Key Notes post March 12, 2020

NLS Duplication Supplies - Key Notes post Sept 10, 2019

Cartridge Capacity Information - Forum post Aug 23, 2019

System-specific

Notes from the Scribe - Scribe implementation guest post series

Hot off the Press - Gutenberg implementation guest post series

Downloads

Remember: You are always welcome to call or email Keystone Customer Support with questions or requests! 

Both Gutenberg & Scribe

What do you do about Withdrawn Titles? - Key Notes post February 26, 2022

Automatic Status Updates for Duplication-Ready Titles - Key Notes post April 19, 2021

Shuffle the Deck- Key Notes post August 26, 2020

Locally Produced Titles- Key Notes post March 12, 2020

NLS Duplication Supplies - Key Notes post Sept 10, 2019

Cartridge Capacity Information - Forum post Aug 23, 2019

System-specific

Notes from the Scribe - Scribe implementation guest post series

Hot off the Press - Gutenberg implementation guest post series

Downloads

Remember: You are always welcome to call or email Keystone Customer Support with questions or requests! 

Do you make use of the Front Desk module?

A recent update added the patron Contacts tab, replacing the address section of the Patron Data tab to ensure there are no discrepancies between the data stored in the Patron and Front Desk modules. We've also done some work to sync the functions available for the Service Queue and Orders tab, so everything you need is in both modules. 

All this got me thinking about the Front Desk more generally, and how it's used.

We created this module to (you guessed it) service a library's front desk, where staff need easy access to both quick check-in and check-out and basic patron maintenance functions. While the Front Desk module is designed for handling walk-ins, I think it's also great for those doing a mix of circulation and patron services, and who don't need or want to learn the full patron module. Part timers and volunteers may find Front Desk has everything they need, without as much of what they don't. 

To help those only needing to help the occasional walk-in at a front desk or an outreach event, we created the Front Desk Service Manual. While it does stray outside of the Front Desk module where needed, this guide is intended to grant quick-and-easy access to the top patron service functions. I hope it will help those who need a little refresher or a touchpoint as they perform occasional customer service tasks. It is formatted to be printed and put in a binder, but also intended to be Screen Reader friendly, with the keystrokes needed for an AT user to complete tasks just as conveniently as sighted users.

Initially targeted for a specific library with a higher need for it, I'm now putting it out for general use. Please let me know: is this missing any common tasks for front-desk, part time, or volunteer users? Do you need a Gutenberg version? Also, beyond the document itself, I'd love to hear if and how you use the Front Desk module!

Notes for printing: 

• If printing for a binder, ensure all two-page sections will be open spreads by printing the first page single-sided. Then print pages 2-14 double-sided.
• If you are not a Scribe library, remove those sections from the table of contents by deleting pages 13 and 14. Then right-click anywhere in the Contents section and select "update field."

Do you make use of the Front Desk module?

A recent update added the patron Contacts tab, replacing the address section of the Patron Data tab to ensure there are no discrepancies between the data stored in the Patron and Front Desk modules. We've also done some work to sync the functions available for the Service Queue and Orders tab, so everything you need is in both modules. 

All this got me thinking about the Front Desk more generally, and how it's used.

We created this module to (you guessed it) service a library's front desk, where staff need easy access to both quick check-in and check-out and basic patron maintenance functions. While the Front Desk module is designed for handling walk-ins, I think it's also great for those doing a mix of circulation and patron services, and who don't need or want to learn the full patron module. Part timers and volunteers may find Front Desk has everything they need, without as much of what they don't. 

To help those only needing to help the occasional walk-in at a front desk or an outreach event, we created the Front Desk Service Manual. While it does stray outside of the Front Desk module where needed, this guide is intended to grant quick-and-easy access to the top patron service functions. I hope it will help those who need a little refresher or a touchpoint as they perform occasional customer service tasks. It is formatted to be printed and put in a binder, but also intended to be Screen Reader friendly, with the keystrokes needed for an AT user to complete tasks just as conveniently as sighted users.

Initially targeted for a specific library with a higher need for it, I'm now putting it out for general use. Please let me know: is this missing any common tasks for front-desk, part time, or volunteer users? Do you need a Gutenberg version? Also, beyond the document itself, I'd love to hear if and how you use the Front Desk module!

Notes for printing: 

• If printing for a binder, ensure all two-page sections will be open spreads by printing the first page single-sided. Then print pages 2-14 double-sided.
• If you are not a Scribe library, remove those sections from the table of contents by deleting pages 13 and 14. Then right-click anywhere in the Contents section and select "update field."

New to KLAS, stepping out of your comfort zone into a different module, or just wanting a review of the basics? Check out the Intro to KLAS manual for an overview of all the main KLAS screens and some of its primary functions.

Note: This manual was originally designed for print, and the images are not described. If you use Assistive Technology or otherwise cannot benefit from undescribed screenshots, please see the AT Reference Document for contextual information and text-only screen contents. 

New to KLAS, stepping out of your comfort zone into a different module, or just wanting a review of the basics? Check out the Intro to KLAS manual for an overview of all the main KLAS screens and some of its primary functions.

Note: This manual was originally designed for print, and the images are not described. If you use Assistive Technology or otherwise cannot benefit from undescribed screenshots, please see the AT Reference Document for contextual information and text-only screen contents. 

New to KLAS, stepping out of your comfort zone into a different module, or just wanting a review of the basics? Check out the Intro to KLAS manual for an overview of all the main KLAS screens and some of its primary functions.

Note: This manual was originally designed for print, and the images are not described. If you use Assistive Technology or otherwise cannot benefit from undescribed screenshots, please see the AT Reference Document for contextual information and text-only screen contents. 

New to KLAS, stepping out of your comfort zone into a different module, or just wanting a review of the basics? Check out the Intro to KLAS manual for an overview of all the main KLAS screens and some of its primary functions.

Note: This manual was originally designed for print, and the images are not described. If you use Assistive Technology or otherwise cannot benefit from undescribed screenshots, please see the AT Reference Document for contextual information and text-only screen contents. 

KLAS' staff side interface allows all functions to be performed with keyboard commands. The following document provides a summary of the keyboard shortcuts that make using the system quicker and easier.

KLAS' staff side interface allows all functions to be performed with keyboard commands. The following document provides a summary of the keyboard shortcuts that make using the system quicker and easier.

Keystone's developers are working hard to add the duplication queue functionality to KLAS to support Scribe's high-capacity cartridge duplication-on-demand workflow. This development also serves as the basis to support KLAS' integration with the Gutenberg duplication system. In the future, it is possible the Service Queue may also be the basis for integration with NLS' wireless delivery of content. So, without further ado, here's a sneak peek of the new KLAS Service Queue Tab:

What is the KLAS Service Queue Tab?

The Service Queue Tab displays an ordered list of Reserves, Requests, Author Likes, and other profile based titles selected for a patron who will be served by Scribe.

What does the Service Queue Tab do?

The KLAS Service Queue Tab does the same type of title selection that nightly currently does for autoselect patrons. Rather than assigning those autoselected titles to a patron, it will send them to the Service Queue. The Service Queue is a list of titles to be included on a patron's cartridge. It lists all possible titles that could be sent to the patron by Scribe in sequence. If there are more title listed than will fit on a cartridge, the next title after a cartridge is full will be the first title of the following duplicated cartridge sent.

What does the Service Queue Tab look like?

When looking at the KLAS Service Queue Tab, the Sequence column lists titles in the order they will be loaded onto a cartridge.
Example: Sequence 1 will be the first title to load onto a cartridge, followed by Sequence 2, etc. until the "Max Titles On Cart" is reached.

The Status column lets you know the current status of a title.

The Function Code Column lets you know which KLAS function added the title to the Service Queue.

The Select Type Column lets you know what the value was on the patron's profile that triggered the title to be selected.

The Data Source Column lets you know where the selection type originated. Refer to the Data Source Desc: field at the bottom of the screen for more detailed info including the specific patron property it is based on.

The Add Date, Status Date, and Last Modified Date Columns and fields give info about what happened to a title and when.

The toolbar has options allowing a user to manually add, deleted, or reorder titles within the KLAS Service Queue.

The move to a Duplication on Demand service model opens up the full collection of download-only titles to your patrons... but patrons who receive books by Subject will only get them if the titles have local subject cataloguing.

If you haven’t been keeping up cataloguing those download-only titles, if you are considering adding a brand-new subject heading, or if you’re just interested in some sprucing up... We have a new tool to help!

Added in KLAS Version 7.7 build 11, the Change Headings tool allows you to batch apply a subject heading to (or remove it from) a query set of titles.

Step One – Define a Query

Start the process by building a query to find the titles to apply the heading to. For example, you could search for adult, fiction books that have “Amish” in the Annotation, or for books with an author in a given list (you may want to add Codes to author headings you want to use for this, or the list will quickly get unwieldy).

In the query results, you may notice a new tab! In this view, the new tab is inactive—it will appear greyed out, and cannot be selected.

Double-click (or select and Enter) any title in the results to enter the query set. We highly recommend clicking through at least a representative sample of the query set to make sure it is working as you intended.

Already have a list of titles you want to work on, such as a list of locally produced books that all need your local interest subject heading, or a list of sexually explicit titles from the Rating Unrated Books project? You can Import a Query Set from a notepad .txt file of KLAS IDs!

Step Two – Confirm Query Set

Once you have reviewed the query set and are confident that it is correct, or only needs minor tweaks, launch the “Change Headings – Query Set” tool.

Note: Many libraries restrict the Tools Menu to administrators. This is an easy way to ensure that tools like this, which can quickly make a lot of changes to your data, are only used as intended. If you need help tweaking your permissions to control who can access these tools, contact Keystone Customer Support!

If you are not already in a Query Set, the tool will open a Define Query window. Otherwise, it will take you straight to your query results, now with the Add/Remove Headings tab activated. Before switching to the new tab, take another look through your search results!

If there is an odd title here or there that you want to remove from the query set, select the title and use the Delete button (or Ctrl+D).

Even a well-made query may turn up something here or there that doesn’t belong—use the delete button to clear them out so that your Query Set includes only the titles on which you want to change headings.

Step Three – Add / Remove Headings

On the Add/Remove Headings tab, Add a New Line using the button in the lower left, or the functions menu.

Find the heading to apply using either the Code or Full Description. This tool was primarily intended to work with Subject headings, but it can apply Author or Series headings as well if the need arises.

Use the Action combo-box to select whether the heading should be added or removed. If you Add a heading to a title that already has it, or Remove a heading from a title that does NOT have it, no change will occur to that title. The rest of the query set will still be updated as needed.

Save the line. If you want to make additional changes to the same set (such as adding "contains violence" PLUS removing "unrated"), just add more lines.

When you are ready, use the Apply Headings Changes button to batch update the entire query set.

Final Thoughts

We hope this tool makes it easier for you to do catalog maintenance and get ready for Duplication!

However, as with many administrator tools, it is possible for this to go awry if it isn’t used with care. Please always double check that you are applying the correct heading to the correct titles before clicking Apply.

If you do find that an error has been made, please contact Customer Support as soon as possible for assistance with backing it out.

(Not on 7.7 yet? Don't worry, you haven't been forgotten! We have been fixing bugs as the first previewers find them, and will continue rolling out preview databases to the rest of the libraries on our list. If you missed our July Progress Update, make sure to check it out to learn more about what's involved!)

KLAS offers a variety of powerful search options for you to choose from. These different search types can be used in Queries, Book Searches, and more simply by choosing the corresponding Search Operator.

But do you know what all of the query and search operators in KLAS mean? Here's a cheat sheet!

• Download for print: Cheat Sheet - Query Operators

{slider Equals}

Find in: Book Search and Queries

How it works: Finds only exact matches to the search term.

Use for: Exact searches where you know exactly what you’re looking for, such as looking up a book by KLAS ID. Search on checkboxes by Equals TRUE (for checked) or FALSE (for blank).

{slider Does Not Equal}

Find in: Queries

How it works: Finds everything other than exact matches to the search term.

Use for: Excluding something specific from the query results, such as an exception Patron Type or a certain city.

{slider Begins}

Find in: Book Search, Queries, and Find

How it works: Finds everything that equals or starts with the search term. For example, a begins search for "Pat" would return "Patterson" and "Patrick," but not "Kirkpatrick."

Use for: Quickly entering the first part of a long search term or entering only as much as you are sure of the spelling. This is especially useful for author or patron names. 

{slider Is Between}

Find in: Queries

How it works: Finds everything between two search terms. Note: For the range “A - Z,” “Zebra” will not be returned. For “A - ZZ,” “Zebra” will be but “ZZ Top” will not. Numbers are ordered before letters.

Use for: Finding a range, such as an age range or a set of patrons with last names in the first half of the alphabet. You can also use this to search for all patrons who have anything for that field by entering the entire range: 0 to ZZZZZ.

{Slider Is Blank}

Find in: Queries

How it works: Finds everything where that field was left blank.

Use for: Checking for incomplete records or patrons who do not have an email address.

{slider Keyword}

Find in: Book Search

How it works: Finds everything that has the search term as a whole word somewhere in a longer string. For Example: if you search for “Every,” you will find “With Every Breath” but not “Everything Nice.”

Use for: Searching for long titles by one or two words, searching for authors by first name.

{slider Matches}

Find in: Query

How it works: Finds everything that has the search term anywhere in it.

Use for: Similar to Keyword, but the search term doesn’t need to be a whole word. This is a good, general search—however, it can be slower that more specific search types.

{slider In}

Find in: Query

How it works: Finds everything that Equals anyof the listed search terms. Separate each term with a comma and space. For example: “PA, PY”

Use for: Searching a few specifics, such as specific patron types or several area codes.

{slider Not In}

Find in: Query

How it works: Finds everything that Does Not Equal any of the listed search terms.

Use for:Excluding a few specifics from your search. For example, patron languages that are not English or Spanish.

{/sliders}