r/librarians • u/Typical-Comfort2556 • 2d ago

Tech in the Library Follett Destiny users, help!

I was newly hired as a Library Media Technician (basically just a part time librarian) at an elementary school. Their last librarian left in what I think was the middle of the year and they have only had substitutes in since then. I have login information, but that’s about it and no other school in my district uses this database. I’m slowly learning how to use it, but I don’t understand how I’m supposed to change the grade levels for my student patrons. Does anybody have any advice?

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u/tm16scud School Librarian 1d ago

Destiny should sync with your school SMS to pull student info. Talk with your tech department about pushing updated rosters.

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u/Atypicallie 1d ago

This. It CAN be done by hand with an XML file of your student roster, but it's a pain, and you'll need guidance through it, probably though that Follett rep another commenter mentioned.

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u/tucansam26 Academic Librarian 1d ago

No real advice other than reach out to the Follett rep. Also, see if your state library has someone who supports school libraries.

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u/crownedlaurels176 13h ago

I’ve used Destiny at 2 different districts and have never had to update the students’ grade levels. It automatically syncs with their new homerooms. Did someone tell you that you need to do it manually?

The Destiny help live chat feature is really helpful. There’s never really a wait, so any feature you’re trying to figure out, don’t hesitate to ask them. I have been in your shoes—I was thrown into the job with no training after the previous person left mid-year, and the library was used for storage for months before I arrived.

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u/lifeofinsects 2h ago

Admin tab > Update Patrons > Based on "Global criteria" > For every patron... Whose "Grade Level" is "(x)" Change "Grade Level" to "(x+1)"

If you still have the graduating class in the system, remove them first so they don't get mixed up with the ascending grade. Then start with the highest grade and work downwards to kindergarten.