Welcome to a new (A)eon!

We're excited to announce that beginning January 26, 2015, the Special Collections Library will begin to use a Special Collections Management software called Aeon.  Aeon will allow us to manage our collections and our request much more efficiently by closing the typical gap between “discovery” and “delivery” and by enabling users to place reading room paging requestsautomatically from library catalogs, archival finding aids, and other online collection management systems.

What is Aeon?
Aeon allows researchers to submit requests for items in the Special Collections Library. Researchers will now be able to register and manage personal information and track requests from any computer using the Aeon system. Previously, registration and requests were done manually, while on-site.

How will Aeon help make research easier in special collections?
Once researchers are registered, special collections' staff will be able to approve requests and retrieve materials more efficiently. Researchers can watch the progress of each request to determine if an item has been retrieved, put on hold, or returned to storage. Researchers can also store all request information in their profile for future review of citation information regarding materials consulted in special collections and also place photoduplication/digitization orders.

Will researchers be able to request special collections manuscripts, books and periodicals using Aeon?
Yes. Books and periodicals housed in special collections are found by searching The CAT, the Penn State University Libraries’ online catalog. If an item in the catalog is located in special collections, the record in the CAT will display an option to request the materials.
Archival collections can be found through Special Collections online Finding Aids. Once you find the Archival Collection you are looking for in the database, you can request materials from individual collections via a “Request Button”.

Will professors be able to request materials for their students to use for class projects?
Yes. Professors can set up class visits as “Events” within their Aeon accounts. Materials to be used during class visits can be managed separately from the professors’ personal research requests. The history of materials requested for a class can be stored and viewed for future use.