Author: backstage

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New Novelist user experience incoming!

Starting June 16, Novelist will transition to an updated user interface. The new design will furnish patrons with an improved experience while still providing library staff with the same in-depth richness we depend on for our work.

Please click here to read an overview of what this is going to look like, as well as learn more about what you can do to manage your own Novelist account ahead of the transition. 

One big change for staff that I’d like to highlight is how folders will be reconfigured. The folders function in Novelist is useful for managing book groups, outreach, lists, special projects, and so much more, so it’s important to make sure your folders and data are ready for the transition before the 16th. 

If you have books, lists, and articles saved to the “My Folders” option, that material should migrate automatically and be stored under the new title “My Dashboard.” 

However, if you have Search Alerts set up, those will not migrate, and you will have to re-create them in the new My Dashboard section. Take note of what Search Alerts you have and be ready to set those back up after the transition. 

Additionally, if you have any folders under the “My Custom” function, you will have to download that data and add it manually after the transition.  Have this done before June 15th, otherwise you may lose the data. 🙁

You can click here for detailed instructions on how to manage both Search Alerts and My Custom folders for the transition.

Novelist is also providing training sessions on June 17 from 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM, and on June 26 from 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM. If you can’t make either of those times, register anyway, and you’ll be sent a recording of the session to watch when your schedule allows.  

Click here to register for the June 17 session. 

Click here to register for the June 26 session. 

You can also take a look through the user guide for the New Novelist Experience below.

This is a lot! Let Mary P. know if you have any questions. Onward, Novelist!

-Mary Phillips – Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

NoveList-NavigatingTheNewExperience-TutorialDownload
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RAD Pass: Summer Staycation

Summer is almost here, which means graduation season and the end of the school year. If your library is like mine, this is when the phone starts ringing with questions like: “What’s this RAD Pass thing?” 

Here’s what you need to know to help your patrons: 

What is RAD Pass? 

RAD Pass (found at radpass.org) offers free and discounted tickets to a variety of regional attractions, thanks to support from the Allegheny Regional Asset District. It’s available to any Allegheny County resident with a valid library card and PIN. 

How Does It Work? 

Patrons can log in using their card number and PIN. Once logged in, they’ll see a list of available attractions. Venues and tickets change periodically, so encourage patrons to check back often. 

If tickets are available for an attraction, a message on the right side will say “Show first available offer.” If not, it will display “All reservations have been reserved at this time.” 

To reserve a pass, click “Show first available offer.” The pass details and requirements (e.g., mobile or printed format) will be listed. If the patron prefers a different date than the default, they can scroll to the bottom and click “Reserve a different date” to choose from the available options. 

Important Notes for Patrons: 

  • Patrons may only reserve a pass to the same attraction once per calendar year.
  • Each library card may hold up to two active reservations at a time. Once the date of the earliest reservation passes, a new reservation can be made.
  • Ticket availability refreshes often, so checking back regularly is a good idea.

-Erin, Bridgeville Public Library

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Libby Hold Updates Galore

Libby has made some new changes to help clarify what is going on with your holds – and that is great news!

You will now be able to see when a hold is expired or weeded from the collection and give you the option to clean up that hold. Examples of what that will look like are shown below.

The “Clean up hold?” option in red allows you to quickly cancel and clean away those holds.

The next great hold related news is related to those of us who have more than one library card listed on our Libby app. If you have more than one card with more than one library system this one is for you!

Now when you borrow a book but you have it on hold on another card with another system Libby provides the option to cancel that other hold. This is great news as it could free up space on the wait list for other patrons. Now we are all being a part of the solution and isn’t that a great feeling.

We know you like a tidy bookshelf (and hold shelf) just as much as we do so use these helpful new additions to Libby whenever you come across them!

Happy Reading,

~Adrianne, Northland Library

Continue ReadingLibby Hold Updates Galore

🌍 Discover Little Pim: Language Learning for Young Minds

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Are you looking for a fun, engaging, and educational tool to recommend to families with young children? Let us introduce you to Little Pim, the award-winning language learning resource designed specifically for kids!

What is Little Pim?
Little Pim is an interactive database that introduces children ages 0–6 to foreign languages through short, themed videos. With its playful panda mascot and engaging visuals, Little Pim makes learning a new language both fun and effective. It’s perfect for early learners and families looking to incorporate language skills into daily life.

Languages Available:
Little Pim currently offers instruction in 12 languages, including:

  • Spanish
  • French
  • Mandarin Chinese
  • German
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Arabic
  • Russian
  • Hebrew
  • English ESL
  • and more!

Why We Love It:
✔ Kid-Friendly Format – Each video is just 5 minutes long, making it ideal for short attention spans.
✔ Research-Based – Developed using the Entertainment Immersion Method®, Little Pim helps children retain new vocabulary naturally.
✔ No Ads, No Worries – A safe, ad-free space for kids to explore languages.
✔ Parent-Friendly – Videos are organized by everyday themes like “eating,” “playtime,” and “bedtime,” helping families incorporate learning into their routines.

How to Access:
Little Pim is available for free with your library card via https://learn.mangolanguages.com/explore/littlepim. Patrons can stream content from any device with an internet connection.

Great for Outreach and Storytimes
Little Pim can also be a great tool for children’s librarians during bilingual storytimes or early literacy programming. Consider highlighting it during cultural events, language weeks, or in partnership with schools.

Staff Tip:
If you’re helping a patron who’s looking for screen-time alternatives or ways to support bilingual households, suggest they check out Little Pim. It’s an accessible starting point for kids to become curious about other cultures and languages—right from home.

Gabi B. Robinson LIbrary

Continue Reading🌍 Discover Little Pim: Language Learning for Young Minds