Manchester City Library

The library had a very busy summer. In addition to our usual activity we also took on a branch new library system that changed our online catalog. We really like it, but it is quite different. I got a good question today:

When searching and finding a book in the old format, one could get a synopsis of the object via several means. There was a librarian review, a publishers review,etc. My question is this: why is that not available in this new very complicated format?

All those things are still available on the items that have them – the trick is that not all items have the extra bits and bobs she mentions. In other words not all materials have been reviewed by publishers weekly or contain the synopsis – but this is a function of the item and not the new system versus the old.

So how do you find it? To show whether or not that extra information is available, simply click on ‘Full Display’ and you’ll be rewarded with all the yummy stuff. Our inventory-type information opens in a window below. The reviews and such opens just above and to the right. I put up a screenshot and if you mouse – over the photo you’ll see some noted detailing what I mean.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions about the new system – especially if you’re finding it complicated. It’s taken us awhile to get used to it too, but we are here to help!