Tips for checking out books in libraries

[CallMeMommy]

I just figured this out and thought I would share - I've been really taking advantage of my library lately (2 blocks from work and I read at every available moment) and it seems like whenever I'm looking for a book I can never find it on a shelf. I finally realized that within the "Mystery" section of the library they have it broken down into paperbacks, hardcovers, and large print, and I should be checking all 3 places if I'm looking for a specific book. I've been able to find what I'm looking for several times now by doing that. Like I said, I just figured that out, and I know I can't be the only slow one around!

[sapphire_chan]

I hate it when libraries do that. That's how it is here and worse, the paperbacks aren't even properly registered in the system. (So you end up with "Unknown Paperback due in 3 days" notices ARGH.)

[listipton]

Go into you libraries OPAC and 'request' the item if you don't mind waiting a day or so for it. Then the librarian can hunt all three places.

[annettemarie]

I take full advantage of our library's online catalog and put stuff on hold. I've asked several times if it bothers them, and they assure me it doesn't, and it makes my life so much easier, especially with homeschooling!

[bajamergrrl]

Definitely use the online system to reserve books. This is especially handy when the book you want is at another branch or currently checked out.

[kaliki_kila]

I use the hold system, too. Go online, put books on hold, go in and grab them off the holds shelf, you're done! Don't feel guilty for using the hold system to get books. You are increasing their circulation statistics which they need to keep their funding. Plus it's nearly impossible to get a new/popular book without putting it on hold.

[christinar]

I manage our typically 75+ library books all online - request new ones, and the ones I can't get at my library, and I renew/check due dates to make sure I'm not racking up big overdue fines. I love it! We don't have money for a lot of books right now, or space in our small house... so I take a pad/pen to bookstores and write down the names of books to request/get out at the library. I do the same thing with the kids' Scholastic book orders - though I buy some of those, too.

[CallMeMommy]

I do request books online (actually have 5 requested now that I'm waiting for) but never thought about putting a hold on one that's available for checkout. Huh, I'll have to start doing that.

[listipton]

We get that all the time here I never mind getting things off of the shelf for a patron. It saves them time and like another post says, increases circulation. I love my job :.

[Valkyrie9]

I love using the online system to place books on hold. I can browse Amazon for books I'd like, then go put them on hold at the library website. When it comes time to take my 3 year old daughter to the library, I can just grab the books off the Hold shelf and then take her to the kids room. No more having an impatient preschooler waiting while I try to find a book on the shelf I'd like to read!