Destiny Library Manager: The Number One Library Software for 13 Schools in Tennessee District 

Tazewell-New Tazewell Primary School in New Tazewell, Tennessee, is part of the Claiborne County School District, which serves more than 4,000 students across 13 schools. The district has long relied on Follett Destiny® Library Manager to run its libraries efficiently and effectively. 

Introduction to Destiny Library Manager 

Blake Hopper, the librarian at Tazewell-New Tazewell Primary School, has a unique perspective on Follett Destiny® Library Manager. “I have used Destiny Library Manager for 14 years, going back to my senior year of high school,” Hopper said. “I was a library intern that year and later went on to automate three libraries in the district and re-automate my current library – all with Destiny Library Manager.” 

Located near the Kentucky border, Hopper’s elementary school is part of a district that has successfully integrated Destiny Library Manager across all its schools. Hopper explains, “Using Destiny is an easy way to help manage your library. It is designed well, has a lot of functionalities, and is so user-friendly.” 

The Benefits of Destiny Library Manager 

Hopper appreciates several key features of Destiny Library Manager, including the ability to print his own barcodes and spine labels, which saves both money and time. The software also allows for easy importing of MARC records or manually adding books through Alliance Plus, simplifying the process of adding books to the collection. 

“Destiny Library Manager has everything I need in one program,” Hopper said. “All the report options help me see where my collection is, allow me to see stats and usage of books, and let me keep track of books that students have checked out.” 

One innovative use of Destiny Library Manager at Tazewell-New Tazewell Primary School is the self-checkout option for students. Hopper created a locked-down patron account called TNT, which allows students to check out books independently, even when classes are in the library. “Students love the independence of it, and I love the fact that it keeps books always circulating,” he noted. 

Additionally, students use iPads to browse the catalog, helping them discover new books they might not have seen just by browsing the shelves. This feature is directly connected to Follett Titlewave® for collection analysis, which Hopper sees as another plus. 

Collaboration and Integration 

Collaboration within the district has been enhanced through Follett Destiny®. “One major way our district uses Follett Destiny® is for inter-library loan since all our schools are under one Destiny account,” Hopper said. “This allows us to search all the locations in our district for books we need and email the librarians what we need. This is helpful when a teacher needs more copies of a book for students to read or if a student needs a book quickly.” 

The district also uses Follett Aspen® Student Information System, which integrates seamlessly with Destiny Library Manager. This integration ensures that students are automatically added or graduated in Destiny Library Manager, reducing administrative tasks for librarians. 

The Pandemic and Beyond 

The COVID-19 pandemic illustrated new needs and capabilities of Destiny Library Manager. Hopper relied on the system for student holds and getting kids the books they needed. “The reports were easy to print and share with parents. I also ran a report of books that were lost during this time, which allowed for easy reordering,” Hopper recalled. “We have finally added Destiny Library Manager to Clever, allowing students to place books on hold themselves. This helps students let the librarian know what they need at any time.” 

Embracing Destiny Discover 

Hopper has embraced Follett Destiny Discover®, where students and educators can search and access all print and digital resources in one convenient interface. “This catalog option is more appealing to my younger kiddos,” he observed. “It is more eye-catching and more interactive. It shows off new books and top checkouts, with larger covers indicating if a book is checked out right on the cover. It makes searching for a book a lot easier.” 

Overall, Hopper is highly satisfied with Destiny Library Manager. “It helps save time and runs a library efficiently,” he stressed. “I always tell others we have the number-one program with Destiny Library Manager.” 

For more information on how Follett Software can support your district, visit Follett Software.