Thursday, January 27, 2011

New Catalog Features Part 2 - Searching

This is the 2nd of 3 blog posts covering new features in our catalog. You can read Part 1 covering Patron Account changes here.

Searching changes
  • The catalog now makes automatic suggestions as you type in your search, similar to Google. To use one of the suggested searches, just scroll down to it & click.

  • The advanced search screen has been streamlined and simplified.

  • When books in your search results are part of a series, it will show in your search results screen. Previously, you had to bring up more details about an item before it showed this information.

  • The author's name in your search results is now a clickable link that will take you to the author browse list. Click the name there, and it will take you to a list of everything in the system by that author.

  • You can now text call number information to your cellphone from the catalog. Simply click the cellphone graphic that appears when you check the item's availability. Enter the information in the box that pops up (if you are logged in and have this information in your account already, this will be filled in for you) and click send. You can do this from home and have a list of items to pick up right on your cellphone when you get to the library!

Part 3, covering the mobile catalog, is coming soon!

New Catalog Features Part 1 - Patron Accounts

This is the first of three posts on new features in our catalog. We like to keep these blog posts short!

Thanks to our latest update, our catalog now has a few new features that give you more control over your account. As before, to log in to your account just select "Patron Account" in PALS and enter your card # and password. The default password is the last 4 digits of your phone #.

Patron Account changes
  • The first time you request an item, you will be asked to select your pickup location. You may make this permanent if you wish.

  • Updates to phone numbers and email are now instant, though address changes will still be forwarded to staff for verification.

  • You can now choose to receive notification via text message for things like holds and overdues. Simply enter your cell phone number and cell provider on your account screen and select text messaging as your preferred method of contact.


Part 2 will cover changes in searching, Part 3 will address the new mobile catalog.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Free Business Counseling @ the Library

1st & 3rd Tuesdays - Business Counselor from SCORE is available for 1 hour one-on-one sessions between the hours of 10am - 3pm (excluding 12-1pm lunch hour). Register @ the Reference Desk or by phone (813) 749-1181.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Evening Presentation - Dolls 17th & 18th Century

Thursday, January 20, 6:30 pm, TECO Hall, Guest Speaker: Donarita Vocca will talk about Dolls from the 17th & 18th century and their modern day counterparts. Doll collection will be on display. Program is sponsored by the Friends of the Oldsmar Library - free and open to the public. Light refreshments served.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Programs this week

Books & Brews is tonight at 6:00 pm at the Oldsmar Tap House, 300 State Street East #107. Tonight's discussion is on The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. No need to register, come join us for a casual book discussion in a fun setting!

Tomorrow we have teen volunteers available to provide drop-in homework help to elementary school children from 3pm to 6pm. No need to pre-register, but you can call 813-749-1179 with any questions. This is also the number to call if you're a teen interested in volunteering for this program.