New Library Catalog Fun Facts!

We’re live with our new much improved online catalog!  We’ll be updating this page with new tips so keep checking back! From our homepage click on the Library Catalog link. http://www.ebr.lib.la.us/

Here are our Twitter tip postings about the new catalog:

Fun Fact 1: Our new catalog search page has a direct link to our newest feature films. Cool.

Fun Fact 2: Use the “Find Articles” link on the catalog search page to access our databases. It’s easy!

Fun Fact 3: Want to find fiction audios? The “More Search Options” tab has a “popular collections” selection menu. Pick your collection.

Fun Fact 4: Search the collection at your fave branch in “More Search Options.” Use the “Location” box to choose your branch

Fun Fact 5: Use “Browse Search” to see all things on a topic. Try keyword “horror” and collection “Teen” to get scary teen titles.

Fun Fact 6: A green check next to a title means there is a copy available in the system. A red X means all copies are checked out.

Fun Fact 7: Keep track of your check-outs, renew books, and see what you have on hold with “My Account.”

Fun Fact 8: “My Account” can send you alerts when we get in new books by your fave authors! Set up your alerts today!

Fun Fact 9: The “How Do I? Guides” link on the search page will answer your “How Do I do This?” questions. Well… most of them…

Fun Fact 10: Click on the “Computer Classes” link to find out what FREE computer classes we’re offering. Main & branches are listed.

Fun Fact 11: “Simple Search” is a general search. Use “More Search Options” when you need to be specific or you’re unsure of the topic.

Fun Fact 12: Need a book in Spanish or French? Use the “publication language” menu in “More Search Options.” More languages coming…

Fun Fact 13: Not sure what you want? Use Browse Search – type in your topic, pick your collection/format. You get a list of titles!

Fun Fact 14: If you want to read short books, limit your search to a certain number of pages in More Search Options or Browse Search.

Fun Fact 15: Search the Community Information Database to find clubs, social services, tutors & government agencies. Useful!!

Fun Fact 16: Did you know we have artwork to check out? Use Popular Collections in “More Search Options” to find your favorites.

FunFact 17: Does your local branch have a certain book? Pick your branch from the location list, then search. No results? Not there.

Fun Fact 18: Make a Wish List! Do your search. Click in the box by your choice(s). Click “Save Selected Items” button. Voila!

Fun Fact 19: OPAC dropping your login? At the login screen, click the YES checkbox. You won’t be dropped until you click log off.

Find the Best Iphone Apps

Well, you finally got that iPhone 3GS or iTouch. YAY!! And now you want to REALLY indulge yourself and get some way cool Apps. You know what you want, but when you look in the App Store, you find that there are a gazillion apps that do what you want.

Is the free one as good as the paid one? Which one is best??? You need “Best iPhone Apps” — and you can find it in Safari Tech Books Online. No need to spend $20 at the bookstore. You can read it online and get the advice you need for FREE!

Access it here from inside the library

From outside the library use this link (you’ll need to enter your library card number)

Keep yourself technologically current and informed. Use our Safari Tech Books database to help with consumer electronics decisions AND to feed your inner geek.

Research Guides

Our Research Guides are online resources that contain books, websites, RSS feeds, podcasts, and videos. We have 24 guides so far on subjects such as Arts & Culture, Genealogy, Health, Science, News Resources.

We also have our How Do I Guides. Here you can get step by step assistance with topics from tracking down ancestors to finding legal forms. List of all How Do I Guides

Our guides will be continually growing and changing so keep checking back. We know you’ll find these great resources really helpful. If you have an idea for a Research or How Do I Guide you’d like to see, please let us know!

http://tinyurl.com/l2l2lq

Product Recalls

There is a consumer information website from the government that brings together recall notices from a variety of agencies in one place. Here you can find recall information on items such as food, medicine, cars, appliances, clothing and more. The recalls are easy to search and you get the full details including the barcodes of recalled products.

This site is a great way to find piece of mind that products you have concerns over are safe. You can also sign up for email alerts when products are recalled.

Job Search and Workplace Skills Courses

The library database Learning Express has added some great modules for job seekers. These include tools to help you make career decisions, assistance in creating resumes and cover letters including a variety of templates. The database also has job interview preparation and a tutorial on business communication skills.

Take a look at all the job search and workplace skills courses available through Learning Express, it is a valuable resource in these tough economic times.  You can access the database from inside the library or from home.