Beebe Library’s online catalog was recently updated to a newer version, with streamlined screens and a few handy new features. Most of the changes help to bring the catalog more in line with the way popular and familiar search engines work on the Internet. The catalog, which can be searched at catalog.noblenet.org, is maintained by NOBLE, the North of Boston Library Exchange, of which Wakefield is a member. The catalog includes the holdings of 17 area public libraries and ten colleges.

The most important change is that the keyword search results now default to relevance ranking. The system sorts search results into three groups based on relevance, and shows each group with the most recent titles first. On the first page of the search results, you can change the sort order to date or title.

Another convenient new feature is called “Limit to Available.” This is a new search limiter which you can do at the start of a search or after you get the search results. It helps you avoid wading through dozens of records for items that are currently checked out, when you’re really looking for things you can get today.

On the page that shows information about a particular item, you’ll now find a tabbed display that puts the most important information right up front, including a cover image, where the item is located, and sometimes even a summary. The “More Information” tab takes you to other notes or subject headings that provide more detailed information about the item. Also new on this screen — the permanent link to the page now displays at the bottom of the screen, making it easier to bookmark, or send to someone else.

Along with the new version of the catalog, NOBLE also introduced Airpac, the mobile version of the NOBLE catalog that works on web-enabled cell phones, PDAs and other handheld devices. This tiny version of the catalog allows users to search for titles, see call numbers and shelf status and even place holds.

How this looks and some aspects of how it functions will vary depending on the device, but if you currently use a phone or other handheld device with other mobile search sites, the experience should be similar.

You can try out the mobile version of our catalog here:
catalog.noblenet.org/airpac. You can view that link in a browser, or try it using your own phone, PDA or other portable mobile device (assuming you have Internet access.) All normal charges apply, depending on your service plan.

Note that you don’t have to be on your library’s wireless network to use this. If you are using a phone, you would be using their phone service to access the Internet and connect to the catalog. If you are using a PDA, you may need to connect to your wireless network for Internet access, and then connect to our catalog. It’s the same way you would connect to any other mobile web resource.

The catalog also has quick links to your online library account, as well as to the statewide library catalog, which searches all the online catalogs in Massachusetts, and the NOBLE Digital Library, which includes a growing collection of historical images from libraries in the area.

Categories: Library News, Online Databases
Tags: book search, catalog, library catalog, online catalog