Tips & Tricks for ACLA Databases and Downloadables

Tumble Into Reading

Whenever a resource comes along to support kids and reading, it’s worth taking a look at. If it happens to be an e-resource, available 24/7 and free to library patrons, what’s not to like?

I had become a fan of Scholastic’s BookFlix (loved the pairing of fiction with relevant nonfiction titles and all the educator resources) only to learn it was being replaced with TumbleBooks. Having a distinctly different appearance, the Tumblebooks format simulates using a handheld e-device vs. turning the pages of a book. From making your own “Playlist” (preloaded selections also available) or choosing Audio Books, navigation is kid friendly. The animated illustrations are full screen and text is highlighted while being narrated. Six sections to choose from include: Story Books (the best selection), Read-Alongs, Tumble TV (new), Puzzles & Games (aids reading comprehension), Language Learning (Spanish & French) and Nonfiction Books. There are popular titles by well-known authors and the collection keeps growing. (I was excited to see Graphic Novels in the Read-Alongs, only to see that none are available yet.) To sum it up, TumbleBooks provides a fun, engaging and interactive way to connect kids with reading.

I use summer reading at our library as an opportunity to introduce young readers to TumbleBooks, as I did with BookFlix. My goal is to keep the children interested and involved with reading. After all, there are many ways to enjoy a book. Both databases achieve this goal. Along with author, illustrator and publisher information there is reading level, reading time, book reviews and accelerated reading information provided. On another note, it is a valuable literacy tool to promote for classroom use as well!

Susan
Youth Services
CLAV

Continue ReadingTumble Into Reading

Search Alerts in MasterFILE Premier

Did you know that you can create a “search alert” in MasterFILE Premiere?   A search alert allows you to be notified any time an article on a topic of interest to you is added to the MasterFILE Premier database.  For instance, I have search alerts for local subject headings such as “La Roche College,” “Allegheny River,” and “Pittsburgh.”  Whenever a new article on one of my saved searches appears in MasterFILE Premiere, I receive an email with a link to the article. The articles can then be featured on our library Home Page or posted in the Local Interest Center.

For instructions on saving a search as an alert, click on “Help” in the upper right hand corner of the MasterFILE Premier home page, type “alert” in the search box, and select a topic for further instructions.


(Click to make larger.)

Mary Lee Resnick

Continue ReadingSearch Alerts in MasterFILE Premier

A way to reduce Overdrive holds list

Are your patrons frustrated by the long waiting lists for popular ebook and eaudios? Do patrons checkout many titles at a time but perhaps only read a portion of them, then decide the title is not what they really wanted?  In September OverDrive introduced a “Sample” feature for patron use. These samples are for immediate access on reading devices and platforms. Customers can experience stories immediately on their computer or mobile device and decide if they are right for them, ultimately reducing holds and waiting lists.

When available, the word “Sample” will appear below a jacket. Samples may not be available for all formats of an individual title. Interested customers can easily click and enjoy up to 10 percent of each title before deciding to check it out or not. Samples vary as to length and content. (Eaudio sample content is about 2 minutes)

Samples can be accessed from a search results page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 or from a details page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The eBook sample will show up in readers’ bookshelf and look just like a regular eBook download. The eaudio sample will be directly downloaded to the user’s device.

By recommending usage of Overdrive Samples, patrons may be able to narrow their choices to titles of most interest.

Karen

Continue ReadingA way to reduce Overdrive holds list

Early Return of Kindle eBooks

Several people have recently asked if it is possible to return Kindle ebooks early.  The answer is YES!  Here’s how to do it:

  1. Go to “Manage Your Kindle” on the Amazon site to access a list of your titles.  Public library titles are indicated by the words “public library” in orange.  (You will need to be logged in to see your library.) 
  2. Using the “Actions” drop-down button on the far right select “Return the book.”  (There is also a “Delete from Library” option, but that will just remove it from the list and it will remain checked out to you until the end of the loan period.) 
  3. Confirm the deletion when prompted. 
  4. The title will still be listed in your Amazon account, but if you select the “Actions” button again you will see that returning the book is no longer an option.  At this point you can delete the book from your list, if you wish. 

Screen shot instructions of this process are coming soon.

You can also return ePUB eBooks early from the OverDrive Media Console App. Make sure you are in the bookshelf portion of the app.  Tap “edit” at the top left of the screen.  This will bring up a red circle next to each book on your bookshelf.    Tap the red circle next to whichever book you wish to to delete.  You will be prompted to choose to delete and return the book or delete without returning.  Select the former and your book will be returned and removed from the app.

Sarah

UPDATE:  Amy Ergler provided directions for early returns using an Android device.  Thanks, Amy!

I’d like to point out that Sarah’s instructions for returning EBUP books early from the OverDrive Media Console App were written for iPad/iPod users. The process is different for Android users:

1. Open the App. You should be automatically taken to the bookshelf.
2. Long click (basically, press and hold) the book that you want to return until a menu pops up.
3. From the menu, choose “Delete,” the last option on the list. This will bring up a second menu.
4. From the second menu, you may choose “Return then Delete,” “Delete Only,” or “Cancel.”
5. Select “Return then Delete.” (Choosing “Delete” will remove the book from your device, but it will still be checked out to you.)

 

Continue ReadingEarly Return of Kindle eBooks