April Showers...

 ...Make for great reading!

Spring is finally here! I'm ready for all the things that come with spring: warmer days, taking the dogs on longer walks, planning my garden, and reading outside on my patio! 

Spring also brings a lot of changes, and that's certainly true around the library! You've probably noticed our new catalog on the website and our brand new app. You may have even followed us on social media after our viral Instagram reel (No Kevins were harmed, I swear!) Another aspect of my job is online marketing!

I edit our website, contribute to the monthly newsletter, post to our socials, and help patrons navigate our online and e-resources. I've really enjoyed helping patrons navigate the new catalog. The catalog is inside the library at our catalog computers, as well as the brand new app for smartphones, tablets, and other touch devices. It looks very different from the old platform! The new platform was designed to be easier to navigate and make it easier to find materials across all the different libraries in the system. It's brighter, cleaner, and has a fresh look!

There are three ways to experience the new catalog:

Here's what you see at the catalog computers inside the library

Inside the library: The catalog computers have their own version of the new catalog. You be able to see what is in our building as well as other locations. You cannot log into your account from these machines; they are for browsing only.

Here's what you'll see on your home computer

The Website: The catalog linked on our website is best used on a laptop or desktop computer. It's formatted for those larger screens and devices that have a traditional mouse and keyboard setup. You can request books, see your checked out materials, check the status of your holds, and more.

Here's what you'll see from your smart device

The App: The MCLINC App is for your smart devices! Your smartphone, tablet, or other handheld touch device. You can do all the things you can do on the website version, just in a more compact, mobile-friendly version. The app even keeps your barcode handy, so if you forget your card, you can still check things out at the library! There's even a function to scan a book's ISBN and see if the book exists in our system. 

This is what the logo looks like in your App Store

Change is hard, but we can do hard things! I've heard a lot of feedback on the new catalog, and every single comment is valid! It looks different; there have been a few hiccups, and things are missing or turned off. As with new things, getting used to a new look or a new process can seem daunting. Especially since we had the old catalog for so long!!

I see patrons every day who tell me they aren't good with technology, and I tell each and every one of them that YES, YOU ARE! The fact that you are trying and you are curious is all I need to help you discover this new platform. Whether it's a brand new catalog or learning how to use our other e-resources, curiosity goes a long way! It never bothers me when you visit my desk to ask questions or ask me to show you how to do something one more time. That's what I am here for! I love helping patrons. I've already logged over 2 hours of device consultation since the new year. (That's over half an hour more compared to this time last year!)

As you can tell, I am excited for springtime. I have no set TBR this season. I'm just gonna read what catches my eye! I just finished Dinner With King Tut, by Sam Kean, which is about the field of Experimental Archaeology. Instead of digging up bones, scientists are testing recipes, rebuilding housing structures, and remaking prehistoric weapons to understand how ancient civilizations lived. It was a fascinating read! I'm currently listening to Playing Possum by Susana Monso, a philosophical take on whether animals can conceive the concept of death and dying.

Until next time, see you in the library!

Just one of LPCL's Canine Mascots!