Updated the bookclub list

For all of those bookclub members out there, I've uploaded an updated list of the bookclub books in our collection and it's available on Reader's Corner Bookclubs. We've made a lot of additions and deletions so it's worth checking and printing off a list for your next meeting.

If you're running a bookclub in our area and you haven't registered it with Eastern Regional Libraries here's how it works. Bookclubs register at one of our branches and pay an annual fee of $190 (including GST). This gives you access to our phenomenal bookclub collection. Each book club set consists of 10 copies and there are notes supplied for many of the titles, some even have DVDs. To place holds on the bookclub set just make sure to add bookclub to the keywords. Another easy way to browse and see what's on shelf is to click Find it Fast on the catalogue and then Bookclub collection.

Further information is available at any branch of Eastern Regional Libraries. Please note that we cannot assist you in joining a bookclub that uses this service.

I occasionally get enquiries from interstate bookclubs and unfortunately we can't join you up to the service as the costs of sending the books would be too large.

Cheers, Maryanne

Website redesign

I've been busy here at work for the last four months or so redesigning the website. Our graphic artist has redesigned the Eastern Regional Libraries logo and we have branded the new site with the logo. I'm finishing the final pages and testing, tweaking etc so it should be online by the end of November.

While I was doing this I took the opportunity to change a few things and add some more features. Some of the features you can expect include:

A wiki for Online Information links
A wiki is a website that anyone can edit, just like Wikipedia. We'll be setting this up in stages. I have transferred the current content to the wiki and will be registering library staff to add to the wiki. From the 1st January I'll open it up for members of the public to register. I hope to get some schools interested too.

Within the wiki will be The Knowledge Centre, an area containing tutorials about using the library resources to find information and promotion of our online encyclopedias and other resources and Ask-a-Librarian.

Reader's Corner reviews
I've expanded the Reader's Corner Staff Picks. It is now a blog called Reader's Corner reviews and includes staff and member reviews. Where possible the reviews will include book covers and a link to the title in the library catalogue as well as in NoveList.

Podcasts
We've just started offering podcasts of The Eastern Regional Library Show. We will be adding more shows and hopefully videoing author visits etc and offering those on the blog as well.

Bright catalogue login box
The login area of the catalogue will be highly visible in the top right-hand corner of the website and is included on the Family History, Local History and Reader's Corner sites.

Favourite author/subject notification
Many of you have been saving your favourite authors and subjects through the catalogue. Once I've uploaded the new site, I'll be organising the reports to run so that you are notified via email when a new title by that author or on that subject arrives. You will need to have your email address on your membership record.

We'll keep offering great content including excellent online resources for students. We'll keep building the Reader's Corner area to help you find top reads.

I'll keep you posted regarding the new site.

Cheers, Maryanne
aka webgurl