So excited to bring you a user-friendly, more Amazon-like catalog. Catalog.tscpl.org is now available, and we encourage you to explore. If you like the new catalog, “like” us on Facebook and show your enthusiasm. Some small tweaks behind the scenes will be made in the next few days, but report anything you don’t like/do like via our feedback button.

Quick Fact of Day 1 – Arriving Tomorrow!

Q. When will I get my first look at the new catalog and get to resume all normal activities on catalog.tscpl.org?

The new catalog will be turned on sometime around 9am Wednesday, May 23. At this time, we don’t expect any further delays. We hope you enjoy the new catalog as much as we think you will. Stay tuned tomorrow for announcements on www.tscpl.org, as well as on our Facebook, on twitter and on YouTube profiles.

Quick Fact of Day 2 – 14-Digital Library Card Number

Q. Will I still need to remember/refer to my library card number to use the catalog?

We have heard from many of you who proudly can recall from memory your 14-digit library card number and want to use it when checking out books, movies and games in the new catalog. You can continue to do that! However, if you want, you can log into the catalog through a unique username and password that you set.

Quick Fact of Day 3 – Electronic Resources like OverDrive, Freegal Music, Databases, etc.

Q. The library has a variety of downloadable/digital media, including ebooks, digital audiobooks, music tracks, research databases and periodicals, most of which require a library card PIN. Are these still available during the May 17-23 transition? How will these resources I use be affected by the new catalog?

Most of our subscriptions to electronic resources, including ebooks and research articles & databases, will still be available during our transition to the new catalog and after. Our Freegal free music service, where you get 3 tracks/week to keep, is available too. These resources are mostly found under the “Find Stuff” tab in our website’s navigation.

Quick Fact of Day 4 – Previously Placed Holds

Q. I understand that I cannot place holds May 17-23. What will happen to my holds that I placed prior to May 17? Will they transfer over?

Good news! All holds will transfer over with customers retaining their proper place in line. Of course, from now until we go live no new holds can be placed.

Quick Fact of Day 5 – Finding Community Resources

Q. I use the catalog to find information about organizations in Topeka. Will I still be able to do this?

Yes! The library’s list of community groups and organizations will be part of the new catalog. The new features and options for books will also apply to the Community Resources database. Also, in the near future, the library may be able to allow organizations to add their own content! Stay tuned.

Quick Fact of Day 6 – New Books & Movies

Q. I like to look just for new books and movies. Will it be easier in the new catalog?

A. Yes! The new catalog has several options that will allow you to quickly find new books and movies. It will also let you easily browse those items the library has just ordered. Book jackets for on-order books and the latest releases will be right in front of your eyes on catalog.tscpl.org. Click on “New Titles” in the right rail, and you’ll find new books, videos, sound recordings and large print books at your library. And great news! You can sign up to receive an RSS feed to any of these.

Quick Fact of Day 7 – New Design

Check it out. Click to enlarge.

Q. What will the new catalog look like? Can we see a preview?

A. We’re excited about this fresh new look. While our web designers and developers are still tweaking things behind the scenes that may improve the final design, this snapshot gives you a general idea of what the new catalog will look like. We hope to keep design changes to a minimum after the catalog goes live May 23.

Quick Fact of Day 8 – Series

Q. Will the new catalog make it easier to discover books that are part of a series? That always frustrated me about the current catalog. 

A. It’s not the first time we’ve heard this complaint (a limitation of our current catalog), but we hope it will soon be the last time. When you conduct a search in the new catalog, there’s a handy Series button by the search field. Click that to limit your search results to just series. As always, ask a librarian for assistance if you can’t find what you’re looking for. Sometimes they know about the latest books in a series before they even hit the shelves and can put you on a waiting list for them.

Quick Fact of Day 9 – Reviews

Q. Will I be able to read or write reviews in the new catalog? 

A. Our catalog will be more Amazon-like, and with that in mind, we’re moving forward with plans to allow customer reviews of books, movies, etc. However, reviewing capabilities will not be available when the new catalog goes live May 23. Look for this feature to be added later in the year.

Quick Fact of Day 10 – Embedded Librarian

Q. I don’t have a lot of time to waste surfing the catalog for items. What if I get confused or lost in the new catalog, especially at first when I’m still getting use to it? Is there some sort of Help function?

A. The new catalog is intuitive, but we know there will be some getting use to it. When and if you get lost/confused, click on the Ask a Librarian icon embedded on the right side of the home page of catalog.tscpl.org and a librarian will assist you (during normal business hours). For your convenience, there’s also a Help button for answers to commonly asked “How Do I…” Remember for questions about finding an item you want, you can always call Reference at 580-4540 or 580-4555.

Quick Fact of Day 11 – Kids Catalog

Q. Have you thought of kids and how they search for stuff? Will my elementary school-aged children be able to figure out the catalog?

A. The Kids Catalog is one of the most exciting, most dramatic changes that will occur on catalog.tscpl.org May 23. With visual icons and large lettering to indicate different topics, the Kids Catalog gives kids an easy way to search and find what they are looking for and to discover something new. And while it’s designed for kids, it’s okay if mom and dad want to use it too. After we go live, stop into the Kids Library and ask a librarian to get you and your son or daughter acquainted with the new catalog and all its features.

Quick Fact of Day 12 – Get Social

Q. I want an easy way to share the books, movies, and other resources I find in new catalog with my Facebook friends?

A. Every day customers find something in our catalog they want to share with friends, family members or their colleagues. We encourage it! And now it’s as easy as a click of a button. With the new catalog, you will not only be able to easily hit a button to post to Facebook, but also email, send via Google, Tweet – in other words share it on just about any social media platform. Share often.

Quick Fact of Day 13 – My Lists

Q. I like to track what I will read/have read. Will “My List(s)” be transferred over to the new catalog?

A. Unfortunately your List(s) will not transfer over to the new system. Please make sure you print it out or save it digitally by May 17 so you can quickly create a new list(s) when the new catalog goes live May 23. And as with everything else in the new catalog, list creation and management should be easier for everyone to use. You must be logged in to have a list be saved in the new catalog.

Quick Fact of Day 14 – Your Password

Q. I have a tendency to forget my password. Will the new catalog include a way for me to retrieve/reset my password via the Internet?

A. For sure! In the age of email, online banking, online shopping and social media, we know it may be easy to forget the password for your library account. The new library catalog allows you to retrieve/reset your password electronically. And, you will be able to make your password/change your password to whatever you like (translate: will remember). As always, if you have questions regarding your account information just come in and ask a librarian, call 785-580-4400 or use the Ask a Librarian online chat service on the right side of our Home page.

Quick Fact of Day 15 – Mobile Edition

Q. I want to surf the catalog on my cell phone. Will this be more user-friendly than with the old catalog?

A. Yes. The new and improved catalog also includes a new and improved mobile website, designed specifically for smaller screens. We hope you check it out – great for requesting interesting titles immediately when you hear about them and for instant access to your account.

Quick Fact of Day 16 – Email and Texts

Q. How can I better stay on top of my due dates? Can the new catalog help me with that?

A. We already offer pre-overdue and past due email reminders, which many customers take advantage of. Now, we’re taking this service to the next level: TEXTING! You will soon be able to receive pre-overdue and past due notices via text messaging. To take advantage of this convenience, you will need to enter your cell phone number and carrier’s name in your account page at catalog.tscpl.org (once the new catalog goes live). Call 785-580-4424 if you want further details about receiving emails and/or texts from the library.

Quick Fact of Day 17 – Look/Feel/Interactivity

Q. Will I be shocked by the difference in design between the old and the new? Will I have to learn a new method of searching for books, movies, and music?

A. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The new catalog is much more intuitive and user-friendly – like Amazon.com (hello 2012, good-bye 1995). You’ll still have fields to type in titles, authors’ names, etc., but discovering something you didn’t know about will be more possible now. The new catalog will feature virtual bookshelves (or ribbons) of latest releases, most popular items checked-out and staff-selected genres. We think the learning curve will be minimal, but we know any change can be difficult. Get in a bind? You can always call on a librarian to help you sort through an issue.

Quick Fact of Day 18 – Spelling and Auto Suggestions

Q. Will I have to spell titles, authors’ names, etc., correctly to find what I’m looking for?

A. No. Phonetic spellers will love the new catalog for its auto-generated suggestions. This will help you get to the titles you want when your spelling is close but not exact – a handy feature for all of us. (Because really, how many of us can remember how to spell John Lescroart?) Keep in mind, this isn’t a miracle worker. If your spelling is way off, you might just ask a librarian for assistance.

Quick Fact of Day 19 – Username vs. 14-digit PIN

Q. What’s one of the first differences customers will see in the new catalog?! 

A. Good-bye, 14-digit library card numbers. Hello, customer-created log-ins and passwords. The new catalog allows cardholders to choose the username and password that they want to use/will remember. This will enable faster access to customer accounts.

On May 23, there will be a better way to find books, movies, and music. Your library is getting a new library catalog!

If you’ve ever searched for a book or movie at our library, you have used our catalog. On May 23, that will be upgraded to a new, better catalog. What will be different?

• It will look different.
• You’ll be able to create a personal reading history (if you want to), or create a wish list.
• It will have “auto suggestions” (start typing, and suggestions will appear).
• Create your own username and password – no more having to remember that silly 14-digit number. Yippie!
• Text notifications (if you like texting, you’ll love this).

This is a pretty huge project for the library, so during May 17-23, you might notice a few things that don’t work quite like normal or that limit your access:

• No catalog searching. Don’t worry – you can still check stuff out! Head to the shelves and rediscover the joy of browsing.
• You won’t be able to place holds or get to your account. Those concerned about renewing before you get fined, don’t worry. Nothing will be overdue May 17-23.
• No DVD Dispenser (we’ll get it connected to the new service as soon as possible).

Otherwise, it’s business as usual. So – May 23 your library is bringing you a modern library catalog. We think you’ll like it! If you have questions, just ask by leaving a comment below.

Please check out our library’s petition website - ebooksforlibraries.com. What’s it for? It’s all about getting you guys – our customers – the books you want to read in the formats you want to read them in:

• We are having trouble getting ebooks from the largest publishing companies. These publishers are adding restrictions and price increases, or simply not selling ebooks to libraries at all.
• This means that our library customers can get a print copy of a book from a library, but can’t get that same book in an ebook format.
• Goal – we need 10,000 e-signatures from readers like you.
• Once we hit that magic number, we plan to mail the completed petitions to each of the big six publishers. Why? We want to communicate directly with publishers through this petition process, with the intent of establishing formal and consistent communication between publishers and readers.

So please – fill out our petition today!

The library does this too – we have quite a few social media sites to choose from. Want to follow along? Please click the links to our social media sites and friend/follow/fan us today!

The Library’s Social Media sites so far:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Flickr
• Pinterest
• Google Plus
• GoodReads
• Foursquare
• Teens Facebook
• Foundation’s Facebook Page
• Friends of the Library Facebook Page
• Sabatini Gallery Facebook Page
• Sabatini Gallery Twitter
• Health Neighborhood Twitter
• Podcamp Topeka Twitter

Do you use social media? If so – which ones are your favorites? Let us know in the comments!

1. Read books, of course – download the Overdrive app and start reading.
2. Take our iPad for Beginners class.
3. Browse our website.
4. Search our library catalog.
5. Use our free wifi to check your email.
6. Tweet us, Facebook us, etc.
7. Watch our newest book review video on Youtube.
8. Search one of our article databases.
9. Listen to our newest podcast.
10. … or sit in one of our comfy chairs, and play Angry Birds

Those are our suggestions – what do YOU like to do with your iPad? Let us know!

Well – you can, and it’s very easy to do! There are two ways to subscribe to our website:

1. Email subscription: Similar to getting an enewsletter delivered to your inbox. Look for the orange Subscribe by Email button found on the main page of our website. Enter your email address in the text box, click the Subscribe button (and do the email verification stuff that comes up) … and you are subscribed! We’ll send you a daily email with our newest content. Ahhh … reading bliss!
2. RSS subscription: Ok, this is the geeky way to do it (I’m definitely including myself in this category). If you know what RSS is, just click the orange Subscribe to Everything button, choose your favorite RSS reader (I use Google Reader) … and you’re subscribed.

Either way, you’ll end up with our newest content, sent to you as it’s written – so you’re up to date without having to do anything. Nothing wrong with that!

Pinterest

What is Pinterest? From their About page – “Pinterest is a virtual pinboard. Pinterest allows you to organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. You can browse pinboards created by other people to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and share their favorite recipes.”

Make sense? Basically, Pinterest is a digital bulletin board. If you find something on the web that you want to save and share with others, Pinterest lets you “pin” that item on your “board.” You can have multiple boards arranged by topic. People can subscribe to your board, so they get alerted when you update your board.

A couple of Topeka organizations have set up Pinterest accounts. Check these out:

• Visit Topeka
• Heartland Visioning
• Kansas Discovery Center

So back to my question – anyone using them? If you do, what do you think about the library setting up it’s own Pinterest account, and what would you like to see there?

Please leave a comment, and let us know what you think. Thanks!

image by Thomas Hawk

We frequently use Flickr when we teks library-related photos. Flickr is a great photo sharing website. Just like Youtube, there are many ways to follow our photos:

1. Visit our digital branch, and look for photos.
2. Visit our Flickr page, and enjoy our photos there.
3. Set up your own flickr account, and friend us! That way, whenever you log in to your flickr account, our new photos will appear under Your Contacts.
4. Change your flickr Recent Activity settings to receive an email when your contacts upload new photos. This will alert you to all our photos (ok, and all your other contacts, too).
5. Subscribe to our Flickr RSS feed. This gets a little geeky, but if you know what RSS is, or if you use an RSS reader like Google Reader, you can subscribe to our flickr feed here.

Enjoy!

If you really like our videos, did you know there are a couple of ways to watch our videos? Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit our website every week, and watch for new videos. Make sure to read some of our amazing blog posts while you’re here!
2. Have a Youtube account? You can subscribe to the library’s Youtube channel by going here, and clicking the Subscribe button. Once you do that, every time we add a video, you’ll be able to watch it when you log in to Youtube.
3. Even better – once you subscribe, make sure to add the Subscribe by Email feature. Best way to find this – click through to one of our videos in Youtube. Hover over the Subscribed button – a pop up window appears with subscription options. One of those options is “Email me for each new upload.”

Either way you choose to watch, make sure to watch, subscribe, and leave us a comment!

Update: the dispenser is working again! Yippie! Our technicians finished repair work yesterday, we’ve been re-loading it with movies and games, and we just turned it back on. Please use it!

Some of you have been asking “what’s the deal with the DVD Dispenser? When will it be working again?” This video is our first stab at those answers.

Basically, we’re pretty sure the machine has a weird electrical problem, which has taken a few weeks to track down. Our vendor is scheduling a site visit to address the problems our DVD dispenser is having, and our goal is to have it up-and-running again as soon as possible.

I plan to update this post once we have more information to share.

Thanks for your patience!

With Xtranormal,  the only thing you need to do is type. Well, and choose your animated character. Xtranormal does all the rest – they turn that text into a movie, complete with silly-robotic-like talking. You can choose different scenes, 1-2 characters, and a range of animations and camera angles that you can use in each section of your movie.

It does cost a bit of money – I had to pay a whopping $5 to publish this video. $5 gets you 300 points (I’ve made one video and have 226 points left).

So … anyone else ever create a movie using Xtranormal? What uses can you think of for this tool? Let me know!