Catalog Maintenance

Our catalog is getting an update!

Many of you have probably tried our new catalog interface, WorldCat -which lets you do cool things like write reviews, send info to your Facebook or Twitter feeds, and even corrects your spelling for you. As we complete our switch to the new version, our downloadable audiobook records needed a little tweaking. All of which means our new interface won't be accessible until tomorrow morning (Saturday, May 15).

But don't panic, you can still search our old catalog here. And, if you're looking for downloadable audiobooks, you can always visit Montanalibrary2go. By this time tomorrow we'll be using the new catalog and discovering a world of information.

Our new catalog

Notice anything different about our catalog?

We have a new interface through WorldCat Local. We librarians are excited about having immediate access to the world's riches database of bibliographic information. But what does this mean to you? You'll notice some major improvements right away:

• Narrow a search to DVDs, audio CDs, and other material types by clicking on the desired material in the left-hand column.
• If the catalog can't find what you're looking for because you spelled it wrong, it will suggest corrections.
• Write and read patron reviews.
• Send information you find in the catalog to Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter.

And that's just the start. Play around and discover all the benefits of the new catalog! And don't worry, you can still get your account information to see what you have checked out, their due dates, and your hold requests by clicking on the iBistro link under Missoula Public Library in the upper left. So now you get the best of both worlds.

Our switch to WorldCat Local is part of a pilot project we're conducting on behalf of public libraries throughout the state. Montana State University and Montana State Library are also taking part. The pilot will last one year, when we report back to the rest of the state and recommend if they should join in.

If you have questions about the new catalog, post a comment here or give us a call at 721-2665.

Catalog Improvements

We will be upgrading our catalog today, Sunday Aug. 2, in order to offer improved patron services. The statewide upgrade is scheduled until 5 p.m., which means our catalog will temporarily not be available. The library will be open for regular business, however overdue payments, hold status, and other account information will not be accessible until after 5 p.m. Thanks for your patience!