Did You Know?

It is always a challenge to get the word out about library services, especially those that are not traditional library services.  For example, I don’t need to worry about whether you know that we have books…it’s just a given, but not everybody knows that you can renew your books, reserve a computer, or view a timeline of World War II through the library’s online resources.  So, just in time for school, here are a few helpful hints (for all age groups) that might make your life a little easier.

To access these services, go to the library’s website at http://www.indylibrary.org.

Online Catalog/Renewals/Holds
Click on Destiny Web Catalog (upper right corner).   Then click on Independence Public Library and this will take you to the library’s catalog, where you can search to see if the library owns a specific book or DVD, and whether it is currently available.  If it’s checked out and you would like to be placed on a waiting list for the item, you can also log in under your name (set up an account first if you haven’t already done so) and place it on hold.  When your name comes up next on the list for that item, the library will call you to tell you it’s ready.  Another nice feature is the option to renew your items…renew online (in time) and skip the fine!

EBSCOHost
Try EBSCOhost on the library’s website to access current information from magazines and newspapers.  Find the logo in the middle of the right hand-side of the homepage.  This is great for accessing product reviews in Consumer Reports, locating that article you saw a while back in PC Magazine, or even finding academic/professional information.  You do need a password to get into EBSCOhost…the username is Independence and the password is library (it is not case sensitive).

NoveList Plus
You can access NoveList through the EBSCOHost interface (explained above).  After you type in the username and password, there is a page where you will be able to choose the database you would like to use.  Click on NoveList Plus.  Find out all the books in Catherine Coulter’s FBI Suspense Thriller series or find recommended books, author read-alikes, get a recommended reading list for a third grader, find out about an author, and more!

World Book Web
There are several databases in the World Book Web, and they are geared towards different age groups.  If you need articles, maps, pictures, videos, research help, and/or timelines this is a great place to go.  For many topics, there are also links to authoritative Internet sites for more information.  The logo is on the right side of the library’s home page.  Click on it, and type in indylibrary50644 for the username and info4you for the password.

Computer Reservations
You can easily reserve a computer on the library’s website.  Click on Reserve a library computer (right side below Destiny Web Catalog), follow the prompts, and you can feel comfortable knowing that you will be able to use a computer at the time you need it (just don’t be late, the reservation is automatically deleted by the system if you aren’t on the computer 5 minutes after your reservation time).

I hope you have found at least one new thing that will be helpful to you!  If you need assistance with any of these services, please call us at 334-2470, e-mail at indylib@indytel.com, or stop in and talk to us in person!