Library always has something new—October 9, 2009
One of the comments about the library I’ve heard more than once since coming to Hastings is that the library “doesn’t have anything new.” Or people have said to me, “Oh, it’s a new book, you probably don’t have it.” You know who you are and that’s okay, you gave me great incentive to figure out why that perception exists.
Of course we have a new book section dedicated solely to items that have been purchased by the library in the last six months, but I bet you didn’t realize that over 60% of our new items are checked out when you are looking at those shelves. That is a fantastic number by library standards, and one I’m proud to report. But for you, the reader, how do you get that new book you want to read if it’s not on the shelf when you are browsing?
Enter the library website and catalog. It’s a well kept secret that for many of the most popular authors, the library has a standing order plan with one of our vendors. That means that anytime John Grisham, James Patterson or Janet Evanovich, among others, publishes a new title, the library automatically receives a predetermined number of copies. In fact, we are currently in the process of adding new authors to our list and adjusting quantities to match your demand. The best part about this process is that as soon as we have title and author information from the publisher, we add the information to our catalog.
For example, Rainwater by Sandra Brown is due out in November and is already in our catalog. As is Ford County the next book from John Grisham also scheduled for November. We go as far out as we have information, so you can also find the next Clive Cussler book, The Silent Sea, scheduled for release in March 2010! So why am I telling you this? Because the best thing about having the information in our catalog so early is that you have the ability to add your name to the request list. And I know the thought of being on a “list” is not appealing at first, but if you consider the convenience of knowing that we’ll hold the book just for you and email or call you when it’s your turn, the concept gets better. And if it’s your lucky day, you may just be one of the first people on the list and thus one of the first to read it!
So next time you hear the buzz about your favorite author’s forthcoming title, check our catalog at www.hastings.lib.ne.us. Call us or stop in if you need help and as always, please email any comments or suggestions you have for the library to me at agreenland@hastings.lib.ne.us.
