Temple Library Catalog Goes Mobile

TEMPLE, TX  (October 29, 2012) – As part of the recent upgrade to the Temple Public Library online catalog and circulation software, library patrons can now download a free app for either an iPhone/iPod Touch or an android phone which makes using the library catalog on the go much easier. Judy Duer, Library Director said, “From your phone you can check to see if the library owns a book, book on CD, or DVD, and if it is checked out. If it is, you can even place a hold on it, so you will be notified via e-mail when it is available.” Instructions for downloading the app can be found on the library’s catalog page: www.templelibrary.us.  Duer continued, “You will need a current library card to use the app. It’s great to be able to check if the library has a certain title while standing in a bookstore, or talking with friends.”

In addition to the mobile app, the catalog upgrade also allows patrons to rate library materials with one to five stars, to tag them, and to write a review to appear in the library’s catalog. Patrons may also opt to receive their checkout receipts in their e-mail instead of having to keep track of a paper receipt. The new version of the catalog, LS2 PAC, also gives the library the opportunity to feature a “book river” of recommended titles at will. “We are enjoying the opportunity to highlight areas of the collection that might have been overlooked otherwise,” said Duer.

Patrons who prefer to download books rather than taking the trip to the library will also find the link to do that on the catalog page by simply clicking on the button at the bottom of the library’s catalog (www.templelibrary.us) that says “download audio books and e-books.” A user will need to input the barcode number from the back of their library card and PIN (the last four digits of their barcode number) to be able to access the collection. Library patrons who are currently using their driver’s license number to check out library materials will need to obtain a library card to be able to use this particular service.

Once the patron has logged in, there are instructions to aid them in downloading materials, first to their computer, and from there to their listening (for audio books) or reading (for e-books) device. After the end of the circulation period, the item will no longer be available to them. If the item is currently checked out to another user, the patron can put a hold on the item to be notified when it is available to them for downloading/checkout.

“This service is proving very popular with our patrons,” said Duer. “Almost 5,000 e-books were checked out by our patrons last fiscal year, and I expect it to continue to grow.”