Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Make the Library Work for You


Here's what you can do to make the Library work better for you.

1. Fill out the Suggestion Form (catalog homepage) for books that you want to read but the Library doesn’t have.
There's no way that we will know every last title that should be on the shelves, especially the non-fiction titles that have no marketing budgets to speak of. Let the acquisitions staff know what you want. You may also suggest audiobooks and dvds. (Very recent titles may be on order, but they do not show up in the catalog. )


2. Borrow by Interlibrary Loan the books that the Library doesn't have.
Our Interlibrary Loan system can borrow books from all over the area or all over the country and then check them out to you if we don’t have the book Assume, by default, that if there's a book that you want to read, your library can get it for you. You may also request audiobooks and dvds.


3. Browse the Library catalog with your kids.
Sit down with the online catalog with your kids and browse from topic to topic and subject to subject and see what else the Library has that they might be interested in.


4. Connect our catalog to LibraryThing.
LibraryThing is an amazing social catalog which lets you keep collections of books (either yours or your favorites from the library), write and read reviews, rate books and link to other people with similar interests.


6. If you find a book on Amazon, check to see if we have it first.
Make it a routine habit to look and see if the Austin Public Library already has the book that you're about to buy - you can save money, get better service, and reduce clutter on your shelves all at once.


7. Put a library reference desk in your cell phone speed dial.
Away from a computer and still need to have a question answered? Just call us at 974-7400 Monday – Friday between 10 and 5.


8. If you don't have time to browse the stacks, place a hold online.
We have a great online reserve system, which lets you place holds on items and pick them up at any location.


9. Read the Library’s blog and make comments.

10. Try a Library resource that you’ve never used.
Databases, book clubs, kids and teens programs, online holds, Good Reads, Catalog FAQs, Telephone Reference, Research Guides, or Chat with a Librarian.

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