1. Tutorial On Bibliocommons
NYPL’s Online Catalog
Lauren Uruchima
LS573W02
Yoojin Ha
(Adult and Teen Audiences)

2. A little insight before we begin….
Visting NYPL.org provides a unique online public library experience. Virtually every service is available online: From searching books, to downloading books on to your personal devices, whether they be a kindle, nook, or any other e-reader device out today. You can also place holds, pay fines ,search locations for available materials and use the NYPL’s access to online databases.
Along with a valid NYPL library card, you receive full access to the services provided. You can even apply for a library card online! There are however restrictions that apply for those outside of the Metro area (The five boroughs of New York City, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Queens.) Be sure to visit the site for more information.

3. Here is a shot of NYPL’s front page.
NYPL.ORG
NYPL recently merged with Bibliocommons to re-vamp their online searching experience. While access to the old catalog is available, Bibliocommons is much more fluid, easy to use and provides much more information on the books or materials you may need for a project or desire for leisure reading.
Alongside the top of the page is direct access to an online search of either the Catalog or NYPL.org’s site.
Here is a shot of NYPL’s front page.

4. NYPL.ORG-Basic Search
This drop-down menu allows for a, keyword, subject, title, author search. Other options include tags and lists.
The Search Bar along the top of the page allows for a basic search. The Hunger Games was used as an example.

5. A “Place Hold’ link is present in the event an item is not available at any desired location or if you simply can not make it to the location that has it in stock. This allows you to be placed on a wait list for the next available copy and pick it up at your local branch.
As you can see, numerous media forms appear. In order to narrow down search results, use the filters located on the left side of the page to find exactly what you are looking for. Each filter is self-explanatory and easy to decipher.

6. When you click on a selected item, you are given an information screen pertaining to accessibility (locations), format, details including reviews, call #, subject headings that the title is placed under and ratings. There is also an additional opportunity to place a hold if the copy is not available. Placing a hold requires you sign in with a library card.

7. NYPL-Advanced Search
As you remember from the basic search on the main screen, underneath the search bar is a link to either use the classic catalog or the advanced search. Let us click on ‘Advanced Search’ to become accustomed to this type of catalog searching.

8. While this screen can be very intimidating to first time users, the right side offers FAQ’s that offer helpful tips for Boolean and advanced searching.
Advanced search allows you to enter your own queries or use the form to help construct one via limiters such as language, published date, audience, etc.

9. Upon clicking on one of the FAQ’s ‘What is a Boolean Search’, here we are given a brief how-to.

10. By clicking on the FAQ and tips area, you are given useful information on inquiry construction with advanced searching

11. While using the advanced search it is recommended that if you do not feel comfortable constructing your own queries, utilize the form. As you select your desired material, the search bar above is automatically constructed for you. In this case, an advanced search for the subject of vampires was conducted, needing only fiction titles. You do not have to use every field in this case.

12. Because this search is somewhat broad, the sort by relevance option is also available to narrow search by date, title, etc. (As well as a save search capability.)
On the results screen, you are given the code construction of your inquiry as well as the found items from it. As you can see, the most popular will appear (especially with the subject of vampires) and the remaining results will follow suit. The same screen is available as was it on the basic search for further filtering.

13. Placing Holds and Other Options
To place any item on hold, you have to login with your information, whether it be a username you create after your first login with your barcode number or, if you have it on hand, your barcode number alone and pin. You can choose the location you desire for pick up and will be given your queue number (place in line) to give you an idea how long you might have to wait.

14. By clicking on the MY NYPL option on the grey menu bar located at the very top (Next to ‘Home’) You will be given a screen with an account of what is checked out, what holds you have placed, the option to suspend or cancel as well as how much you may owe. Yes, I owe .25 cents. Whoops.

15. Conclusion.
While there are many other features on NYPL.org available for use, the search option using Bibliocommons is the most utilized. With the ever growing internet and online dependency, trips to the library may not always be a necessity with searching platforms such as this to get you closer to the item you desire. Whether it be a kindle book, use of Overdrive to download reading material or to place a hold on a book to pick up in person, tutorials and how-to’s are available for your use.
Finally, when searching and in doubt- ALWAYS click the ‘Help’ Button!

16. References
New York Public Library (2013)