Holiday Help with Your Library

Winter holidays are fast approaching and your "to do" list may be growing.

Cooking, shopping and travel preparations for visiting with friends and family. If you're feeling a little time pressured, look to your library for some help.

Recipes and cookbooks: We have a variety of cookbooks (both in-house and online) with recipe ideas for making that traditional dish or a new recipe would like to try. There are books with different cooking methods, baking, slow cooking, grilling and some that cover special diets.

Shopping recommendations: The Consumer Reports online database and buying guides can help with gift ideas on the latest electronics - smartphones, tablets, TVs, digital cameras and home appliances. Access to the database is available from library computers only.

Make sure you pencil in a little downtime for yourself and family! 

 

Whether you enjoy reading, watching or listening, your library provides free access to audio-books, books, comic books, magazines and DVDs to check-out with a library card. 

 

If you prefer online access, you will need your library card, pin and device (tablet, e-reader, computer or TV) to enjoy content from the Tumble Book library, Hoopla and Overdrive databases. 

 

Not sure what to check-out? 

 

Browse the Novelist Plus & Novelist Plus K-8 reading databases for ideas - great for finding the next title (or the First) in a series. 

 

You can also browse the library catalog for book lists, awards and recommendations. or download the app from your app store - search for Pinellas Library Cooperative

 

To get started - visit the library checkout desk to get a library card. For help with downloading e-books/audios - click on the "help" buttons within each database to find out which devices and formats are supported and how to download/stream. Call the library (813) 749-1178 for more info.

 

 Wishing you an enjoyable and relaxing holiday!

New Library App

Pinellas Public Library Cooperative Announces New App:

Your public library, 24/7, wherever you need us to be

The Pinellas Public Library Cooperative (PPLC) and member libraries announce the release of their new improved app. Search Pinellas Library Cooperative in Google Play or the Apple App Store to download the free app to search the catalog, manage your account and renew items, place holds on titles, find the nearest library with their hours and phone number, or locate valuable online resources. You even can scan the ISBN barcode found on a book to see if your library has a copy!

For more information please call us at 813-749-1181 or the PPLC office, at 727-441-8408.

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 - 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!

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!

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.

Checking your Patron Account

Wondering what the status is of the book or movie you have requested? Access the PALS library catalog from your home computer, mobile phone or library computer.

• Just click on Patron Account - enter your library barcode number and password (default password is the last 4 digits of your phone number), click on Requests and you'll be able to see where you are on the hold list.
• To update your Contact Information & Preferences, click on My Record & and you will be able to update your phone, email, and text info. You can also choose to maintain a reading list of the items you have checked out, and change your login password.
• Some other things you can do from your Patron Account: renew items you have checked out, request books, DVDs & audios, create & save reading lists and save a search for future reference.
• The Help button on the catalog will provide details on using PALS. To contact library staff from the PALS library catalog - click on the Library Info tab & then "Ask Us"

New Catalog Features Part 3 - Mobile Catalog

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



We are happy to announce that our catalog is now available from your mobile phone and has the same features as our regular online catalog! To the left is a screen shot of the main catalog menu. You can preview it here, and you will see that it has full functionality but with a clean interface that works well on mobile devices.

 

The easiest way to get to our mobile catalog is through our mobile website, shown to the left. When you visit our homepage on a mobile device, you are automatically redirected to the mobile website. Right now it only gives access to the mobile catalog and basic library information. If there are other pages you think we should add, please let us know!

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.

PALS Catalog updates

The library catalog for the Pinellas PALS libraries will be getting an upgrade next week incorporating several new features!

The upgrade will take place this upcoming Monday and Tuesday, December 13 & 14. During this time, the catalog will be unavailable for both the public and library staff. You will still be able to check out material, but we will be unable to look items up, renew items or place holds.

Please call us with any questions or concerns. Watch this space next week for news about new features in our library catalog!

How to Request Books, DVDs & Audios

In person: click the "Place Request" button when searching the library catalog or ask a staff member to assist you.

By phone: call (813) 749-1181 for the Reference Desk or (813) 749-1179 for the Children's Desk.

From home: click the catalog link & then the "place request" button for the item you would like.

• the default password is the last 4 digits of your phone #
• renew items by logging into your account from home, library computers, in person or by calling the Circulation Desk @ (813) 749-1173
• find more answers at Frequently Asked Questions

Do it yourself - Requests & Renewals

Requesting & Renewing from home or library computers

Your library card enables you to place your own requests & renewals for books, audios & DVDs through library computers or from home. If the library material you would like is checked out or at another location, click on place request and enter your card # and the default password, (which is the last 4 numbers of your telephone #). To renew items you already have checked out on your card, click on patron account, enter your card # and password, click on items out and check the items you want to renew. To learn more, go to our "how do I" page.



Don't have a computer?

Library staff will be happy to assist. Please call or visit the Reference Desk at (813) 749-1181 to request materials or the Circulation Desk at (813) 749-1173 for renewals.

Renewing items from your home computer

Renew your books, audios & DVDs from your home computer:

• Login to your patron account from the library catalog link on our homepage
• Type your library card's barcode # and your password (your default password is the last 4 digits of your phone #)
• Click on "items out" & check the box next to the items you wish to renew. Click "renew selected items" at the bottom of the screen.
  

You may also renew materials in person (with or without the material present) at the Circulation Desk or by phone at (813) 749-1173 (please have your library card number available)

Renewal limits: There is a 2 renewal limit on most items, DVDs are limited to 1 renewal. You won't be able to renew materials if someone else is waiting for them or if you have exceeded the maximum number of renewals.

For more information, please see our Circulation Department webpage or call (813)749-1173 with any questions or problems.

PALS library catalog

PALS Library Catalog - How to login

 

-Double click on the Patron Account tab at the top of the page
-Type your library card's barcode number (the # is on the back of your card)
-Type your password (password is the last 4 digits of your phone # )
-Click login.

Once you have logged in, your name will appear in the upper left hand corner of the screen. Your patron account shows Items checked out and their due dates. It will also show your Requests and the status and hold position of each request. Remember to logout when you are done looking at your account.

Want to learn more about your library card & account?

Check our How do I? FAQ's page or call the Circulation Desk @ 813 749-1173

And don't forget to check back here for the latest library news and events.

Introducing WorldCat

Our new WorldCat service allows you to request materials not owned by a Pinellas County library. To use it, visit http://www.worldcat.org/ and begin searching. When you find an item that interests you, click "Request" and enter the required information. That's all there is to it!

Delivery takes longer than it does for items that are held in Pinellas County, but we can obtain most items. Currently, the system is for in library use only, so the only way to order without coming in is to give us a call (813-749-1181). There is also no current way for patrons to track their requests, but this system is being constantly updated so hopefully that feature will soon be added.

WorldCat replaces our iBorrow system.

Catalog Features

One service available in our new catalog PALS which few of our patrons use is the ability to put DVDs on hold.

You can now add yourself to the waiting list for a DVD just as you can for books and other materials. All you need is your library card #! You receive a call when your item is available for you to pick up.

Don't be discouraged if you seem to be far back in line, due to the number of copies held throughout the county, the wait may be shorter than you think!