New Catalog System

Library Cooperative Moving to New Online Catalog and Checkout System

The Pinellas County Public Libraries are pleased to announce their change to a new online catalog effective Thursday, March 24, 2016. The new online catalog and checkout system, supported by SirsiDynix, will continue to provide many familiar features and will offer new options for member libraries.

This transition will take place from March 21 through March 24. Over these few days, access to the catalog and patron account information will be interrupted. Patrons will need their library cards in order to check out materials. Library staff will be unable to check in materials, place or fill holds, accept payments or renew materials.

Access to some of the libraries’ databases and electronic resources may also be interrupted during this period.

Loan periods for materials normally due during this period will automatically be extended, so patrons will be able to enjoy materials for a little longer than usual while library staff get up and running on the new system.

Links to the new catalog will be available on March 25; patrons who have saved a link to the current catalog on their personal devices will need to delete the old link and update it. Library patrons will keep their current library cards and passwords.  Patrons will be able to search the catalog, place requests, and enjoy full account access.

Please remember, the Oldsmar Library will be closed on March 25 as we train staff on using this new system.

If you have any questions regarding the transition to the new system, please contact the Library.

Resources Review - E-Books

Over the past few weeks we've been reviewing our online resources.  You can visit our Resources page at any time for a list of our more popular programs, or the databases by subject page to view a comprehensive list which includes our academic research offerings.

In this final installment, we'll be taking a look at our many e-book resources for kids and adults.  One great thing about our e-books is you don't have to remember to return them (they expire on their own) and there are never any fines!

For kids, we have:

Sesame Street E-books, picture books with animation & audio

StarWalk Kids Media, featuring picture books by award-winning authors and illustrators. Please note: The login/password for the available apps is opl/opl (that is OPL lowercase).

Tumblebooks, animated, talking picture books and chapter books. Includes books in French & Spanish for language learning!

Most kids ebook services are interactive and allow you to customize your reading experience, such as turning narrative audio on and off. Several also have apps available so you can use them on the go.  More details & links to help and FAQs are included on our Resources Page.

For adults/teens, we have two resources, both of which are now fully integrated into our catalog, allowing you to find titles as well as get on holds lists without using a separate app or going to another website.

3M Cloud Library

3M offers e-books for all ages, you can browse our collection here, and checkout their online support resources here.  They offer apps for many smartphones, e-readers (except traditional Kindles) and computers. Please remember your default account password is the last 4 digits of the primary phone number we have on file for you!

OverDrive

OverDrive has e-books, e-audiobooks and a limited number of downloadable videos for teens and adults. They offer apps for most platforms as well as Kindle support.  They also have extensive online help, including videos and step-by-step guides for most devices.

We hope you've enjoyed this blog series and found a new resource (or two) to enhance your library experience!

Resources Review - AtoZDatabases

Over the next few weeks, we'll be highlighting some of our online resources, including our ebooks and various online learning programs.  You can visit our Resources page at any time for a list of our more popular programs, or the databases by subject page to view a comprehensive list which includes our academic research offerings.

As you can see from the above graphic, AtoZDatabases is an extensive directory database. What sets it apart are its flexibility and the online help and training that it offers.  For home access, you need to sign into your account on our catalog and select Reference from the E-sources tab.  The default password is the last 4 digits of your phone number.

In addition to business & residential databases, they offer directories containing only new homeowners and new businesses. You can customize your search by including only the fields you want and also customize your results by limiting them by things like geographic area, income, industry, company size, etc.  You can download up to 1,000 records at a time - a great deal more than most competitors. 

Newer features include a Spanish language interface,a background search feature and the ability to create free bulk e-mails.

You can learn more about the AtoZ via introductory videos  or by signing up for one of their webinars. They also offer direct support via phone and e-mail.

We hope you'll give AtoZDatabases a try & let us know what you think!

Resources Review - One Click Digital

Over the next few weeks, we'll be highlighting some of our online resources, including our ebooks and various online learning programs.  You can visit our Resources page at any time for a list of our more popular programs, or the databases by subject page to view a comprehensive list which includes our academic research offerings.

One Click Digital from Recorded Books offers a wide variety of downloadable audiobooks for adults, including best-sellers, Recorded Books exclusives, classics and much more. As with most digital audiobooks services, they offer apps for several platforms, so it couldn't be easier to select and download audiobooks directly to your smartphone! They also offer media manager software you can use to download and transfer audiobooks to your computer or other device.

They offer step by step instructions for their smartphone apps and their media manager software as well as live, toll-free technical support at 1-877-77AUDIO

A few notes:

• You must first create an account on the system to use this service
  
• You may do this from home with an access code, please call the Oldsmar Library at 813-749-1181 for the code.
• Please have your Pinellas County PPLC library card ready when you call! This service is available to PPLC card holders only. More info on obtaining a library card can be found on our website.
• All items in the collection are available all the time, no waiting, no holds queue!
• Items check out for 21 days, and may be renewed once for another 21 days

This is a great service and complements our other downloadable audio service, OverDrive, which will be covered in another blog post!

Resources Review - Pronunciator

Over the next few weeks, we'll be highlighting some of our online resources, including our ebooks and various online learning programs.  You can visit our Resources page at any time for a list of our more popular programs, or the databases by subject page to view a comprehensive list which includes our academic research offerings.

Up next is Pronunciator, our language-learning service. With Pronunciator, you have access to courses for over 80 languages and can approach your learning in a structured or informal manner, whatever works best for you!  You learn through activities, drills and quizzes that have been developed by language educators. You can also choose from other available learning aids, such as films, music and audio files.  Content is available for learners of all ages.

Pronunciator is also great for those whose native language isn't English, as you can choose any one of 50 languages in which to take your courses!

Pronunciator has mobile apps designed for a variety of devices, even Kindle Fire!  The apps have the same functionality as the browser-based program and your progress is synced across devices

You can view an introductory video here, and even read the entire user's manual.

Try out this great resource and let us know what you think!

YouTube releases App for Kids

Sharing an important press release from our friends at Netsmartz.org

YouTube Releases Kids App
If you've ever been on YouTube, you understand how quickly it can suck you in. You may start out looking at a video about the latest awards show and then find yourself watching your 6th cat video.
Everything on YouTube, however, isn't appropriate for all audiences. So YouTube has launched a new app just for the little ones: YouTube Kids. This app only features family-friendly content and all videos are divided into four categories: shows, music, learning, and exploring. FEATURES The creators of YouTube Kids thought about more than just offering age-appropriate videos.
The app allows parents to: Turn off the search function limiting kids to pre-selected videos Turn off background music and sound effects to cut down on noise Limit screen time with a timer that tells children when their session is over

New Mobile App

In addition to our mobile-friendly website (http://www.oldsmarlibrary.org/mobile/mindex.html), Oldsmar Library (along with our fellow PPLC member libraries) is now offering a customized library app: PPLC POP (Pinellas Online Portal).

Want to renew an item or place one on hold? There’s an app for that. Library hours or locations? There’s an app for that. Download an eBook? Find information fast? There’s an app for that, too!

From any mobile phone or tablet connected to the internet you can instantly tap into library resources, search the catalog, check your account, place a hold and more.  Also included is BookLook Mobile, a feature that lets you scan an ISBN barcode to see if a PPLC library owns the title.

To download PPLC POP, visit pinellas.boopsie.com on your mobile device, or go directly to the Google Play Store, iTunes or the Windows App Store.


The library’s mobile app was developed by Boopsie Inc. More than 250 libraries and universities use Boopsie to increase community and campus visibility.

Florida Library Patron Survey

The State and your local public library are cooperating in updating an important and extensive survey about the benefits and value of public libraries in Florida. Your participation is essential to the success of this study. All individual responses are ANONYMOUS, and it should take about ten minutes to complete.

To take the survey click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FLLibraryPatronSurvey

Thank you so much!  For past survey results, see Return on Investment in Florida Public Libraries

Computer Class-Feb. 12 @ 2pm

Back Up Your Data- The next computer class with Mark Opyd is this Tuesday, February 12 @ 2pm in TECO Hall. Learn how to save and back up your data using flash drives and other methods.  The class is lecture/demonstration format & there will be an opportunity to ask questions. No registration required.

Catalog Updates

After some recent downtime, you may have noticed a change in the look of our catalog!  All of the old functionality is still there, but new enhancements have made it look & behave more like an online bookstore.

Items that are included in Googlebooks have preview links available.

You can now limit searches more easily by using the check boxes on the left menu.

 
 Clicking on "Full Display" now takes you to a separate screen which provides (if available) reviews, a summary, and a link to take you straight to Novelist for more detailed information.

 Please give it a try and let us know what you think!

New additions to OneClick Digital downloadable audios

Please click here for a list of the latest & upcoming titles from our OneClickdigital downloadable audiobook service!

OneClickdigital provides access to downloadable .mp3 and .wma files of Recorded Books audiobooks. All are iPod compatible and also work on a variety of other devices.

If you haven't used this resource before, here's a brief introduction.

Sneak preview-Intro to e-Reading

Find out what you need to get started reading e-books. Introduction to E-Reading  is  the topic for the December 11th  computer class with Mark Opyd. The class is from 2:00-3:00 pm in TECO hall at the library and will cover the different devices and software used to read e-books on a computer
or device. There will be a chance to ask questions after the presentation. Free and no registration needed.

Find out more about e-books and other electronic resources by visiting these links: 
Oldsmar Library Resources e-books
Oldsmar Library Blog - Kindle e-books

OneClickDigital - Webinars Available to the Public

Want to learn more about OneClickDigital downloadable audiobooks and have the chance to get your questions answered by a member of their staff?

They are offering a free, public, patron-focused webinar (online seminar) to demonstrate the service’s features. This 45-minute program will include a complete tour of the service and show patrons how to create an account, install the OneClickdigital Media Manager, search for content, manage checkouts, and download and transfer audiobooks to listening devices.

These webinars will be held on:
Tue, Oct 23, 2012      3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EDT
Tue, Nov 27, 2012     3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST

Pre-registration is required! Please click the above links to sign up.

If these sessions are not convenient, you can check back at on their website for future dates & times.

OneClickDigital - Kindle Fire app now available

Do you have a Kindle Fire? Want great audiobook downloads available instantly?

OneClickDigital, a provider of downloadable audiobooks has new upgrades.

They have officially launched the OneClickdigital app for the Kindle Fire. Users can download the app for free by searching for OneClickdigital in the Android Appstore at Amazon.com

OneClickdigital now offers apps for the iPhone, all Android devices, and the Kindle Fire. App users will be able to access and download audiobooks directly to their device, without having to connect to a computer.

Here are a few other recent enhancements to OneClickDigital:

• The quick search bar is now available from all pages of the OneClickdigital website.
• The preview player now plays from within the Title Detail page, instead of opening a new webpage.

For more information on how to get started with OneClickDigital, please check out their Help Pages or give us a call!

Mango Language Learning

We are pleased to announce that we now offer the Mango Languages online language-learning system!
Learning a new language with Mango Languages is free for all library patrons, all you need is a home computer and your library card.

Each lesson combines real life situations and audio from native speakers with simple, clear instructions. The courses are presented with an appreciation for cultural nuance and real-world application that integrates components of vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and culture.

There are more than 40 foreign language courses available and 16 English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Once you create an individual account on the site, you can also learn languages everywhere you go with free apps for the iPhone, iPod touch and Android.

Please check out this great new service and let us know what you think!

Computer Classes (Aug-Dec. 2012)

Due to the August election, this month's computer class with Mark Opyd has been moved from the 2nd Tuesday to August 21. Getting More out of Cloud Storage is the topic and will cover storing & accessing data in the Internet "cloud".  Upcoming topics are:

• Sept. 11 - PC vs. Mac
• Oct. 9 - Learn a New Language
• Nov. 13 - Windows Basics
• Dec. 11 - Introduction to eReading

Classes are @ 2:00 pm., in TECO Hall, registration is not required. Class schedules are available at the Reference Desk

Freegal for Mobile Now Available

We are pleased to announce that Freegal, our downloadable music service, is now available on your iPhone or Android-based smartphone.

With Freegal, you can download (and permanently keep) up to 3 songs per week.

From the PPLC site:

Visit Freegal for thousands of recordings by your favorite artists. Log in to Freegal Music with your library card number and PIN and begin downloading! Current limits are set at three downloads per week. Your counter will set back to zero each week Monday morning. Then you can download three more tunes during the new week.

You can also use the Freegal site on your computer & then transfer songs to your MP3 player or other mobile device.

If you have any questions/problems, please write us at information@oldsmarlibrary.org or give us a call. Remember, the default PIN # for your library account is the last 4 digits of the phone # that we have on record for your library account.

Scanning the QR code below with your smartphone will take you directly to our mobile site, or you can be automatically redirected if you visit our homepage on a mobile device. Then click on the "Databases" link to get the link for the Freegal app of your choice.

July Computer Class & Drop-In help

Thinking about buying a new computer or upgrading an old one? Not sure what you should buy? Stop by the library on July 10 for the next computer class "What to Look for in a New Computer". The class is presented by Mark Opyd, starts at 2:00 pm in TECO hall and the last part of the class will provide an opportunity for questions and answers. No registration necessary.

Drop-In computer help will be available on Wednesday, July 18 starting at 3:00 pm, Teen volunteers will be on hand until 5:00 pm to help individuals or small groups with using the Internet, email or answering your computer questions. This program is available on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. (Note* No Drop-In Help on July 4th - the library will be closed for Independence Day.)

Books about computers can be found in Non-Fiction (004 - 006.76) Staff at the Reference Help Desk can assist with finding books or requesting books from other locations. Call (813) 749-1181, email the library or post your questions or comments here on the blog.

Your Mobile Library

We now have more library services available from your mobile phone!  Scanning the QR code above with your smartphone will take you directly to our mobile site, or you can be automatically redirected if you visit our homepage on a mobile device.

It contains basic library info, as well as a link to the mobile catalog.  You can preview the catalog here, and you will see that it has full functionality but with a clean interface that works well on mobile devices.

Recently added is the Databases link, which directs you to the mobile apps that are currently available for our Gale databases, OneClickDigital and OverDrive.

We hope you enjoy our mobile services!  If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please let us know in comments.

One Click Digital (audiobooks) Media Manager now available for Macs!

We received this press release from the One Click Digital folks (formerly NetLibrary) and wanted to pass it along:

We are happy to announce the launch of the Mac-compatible version of the OneClickdigital Media Manager. All Mac users will now have access to the new Mac-compatible OneClickdigital Media Manager, which can be downloaded through Apple's App store. The link to this program is available on the Help/User Tutorial page, and at other locations throughout the OneClickdigital site.

The Mac Media Manager will allow Mac users (with OS versions Snow Leopard, Lion, and higher) to install the Media Manager on their computers, giving them access to your library's entire audiobook collection.

In addition, we have made some other enhancements behind the scenes that will significantly improve the speed of the OneClickdigital site. And be on the lookout for the OneClickdigital iPhone app, which is coming soon. We’ll let you know as soon as it is available.

Happy listening!

You can read more about One Click Digital here.