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Greenwich Library Launches New Online Catalog

GREENWICH, Conn. -- The Greenwich Library recently launched a new online catalog. 

The Greenwich Library recently launched a new online catalog.

The Greenwich Library recently launched a new online catalog.

Photo Credit: File Photo

Greenwich Library is the first library in Connecticut to offer the service powered by BiblioCommons, a leading Canada-based software developer, according to a press release.

The BiblioCommons catalog is used by several libraries, including New York Public Library, Seattle Public Library, and Princeton Public Library. The initial planning and implementation of the new catalog was funded by the Library Board of Trustees. 

"Throughout our Strategic Planning process, our patrons urged us to focus on enhanced collections, greater access to technology, and promotion of literacy. BiblioCommons meets all these needs, plus it brings the joy of browsing and discovering new materials to the Library's online experience," said Nancy Better, president of the Library Board of Trustees. "This launch is the result of two years of hard work by the library staff, and we are thrilled to share this powerful tool with our community."

The following are some of the new service's features, according to the release:

  • Search: Patrons can move beyond simply requesting books they're already familiar with; the new catalog will encourage online browsing. Spell an author's name wrong? Instead of sending patrons to a dead end, the new catalog will ask "Did you mean...?" and auto-suggest the correct spelling.
  • Find: Patrons can narrow a search with options for publication date, age level, genre, language, patron rating and other facets for quick and precise results that can include just titles now available on the shelf.
  • Borrow: Patrons can easily manage their Library accounts; with a couple of keystrokes they can place and suspend holds and renew items.
  • Explore: Patrons can find lists of recommended reading created by Library staff on a variety of subjects and also discover what members of community are reading and rating. Patrons can also access lists and reviews from other libraries using the BiblioCommons catalog.
  • Do more: Patrons can keep track of what they've read or want to read later with digital "bookshelves" that they can create. They can write reviews, create their own lists, rate books, add their own cataloging tags or follow other users with similar reading or listening tastes.

"For help finding your next great read, the Staff Picks page is a must see. From the Explore tab, click Staff Picks to find really creative lists of recommended books, films or music for children and adults in a variety of topics," said Barbara Ormerod-Glynn, library director. "You can even follow recommendations from your favorite staff members including 'GreenwichMusic,' 'GreenwichChildren' or 'CosCobLibrary,' among others."

Library staff members are familiar with the features of the new catalog and can provide assistance to individuals who need help navigating this new service, representatives said in the release. 

The new service is available by visiting the Greenwich Library website.  

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