Below are links to video tutorials about many aspects of how to use the library catalog, powered by Koha and served up by Bywater Solutions. If you have any questions after viewing the videos or if there is no video for what you are trying to do, please don’t hesitate to contact us at lits@goddard.edu or at 1-800-468-4888 x208.
Please note: These videos were not created using our catalog, so while the look of the catalog is different and some of the features may be different, the instruction is the same.
Catalog Demo Get an overview of the features of the whole catalog. Keep in mind that “Place Hold” is “Place Request” in our system and is not available during the Plainfield residencies or after each program’s semester has ended. Also, you will not see the renew feature because we do not allow renewals. Finally, if you change your messaging, please keep in mind that you are still responsible for returning all items on time. Notices are simply a courtesy. Other features should be the same!
Logging In – This video explains where to login and the benefit of doing so. Please keep in mind that this video is from another library, so the details of the username/password are not relevant. Your user/pass is your 6 digit ID number and the password you chose at registration.
Basic Search How to perform a basic search in the library catalog.
Advanced Search How to perform an advanced search in the library catalog.
Subject Heading Search How to search with formal subjects and get tips on searching.
Navigating Search Results What do do with your search results.
Virtual Shelf Browsing Learn how the Virtual Shelf Browsing tool works.
Requesting Materials in the Library Catalog In the video this method is called “Placing Holds” but you will use it throughout your semester to “Place Requests” on materials in the library catalog. You will use this method on both items that are available (we will send you the book immediately) and checked out (we will, according to our collection policies, either get a copy through Interlibrary Loan or buy and additional copy). This function is turned off at the end of the semester and remains off until your residency is complete if you attend the Plainfield residencies. If you attend the Port Townsend or Seattle residencies, this function is turned back on the first day of your residency.
Your Reading History Shows you all the items you’ve checked out from the library and how to find and make the best use of that list.
Your Privacy Unless you tell the system not to, it will keep your reading history in perpetuity. If you do not want a record of the things you’ve read kept by the system, this video will show you how to restrict that and clear your history.
Using the Cart in the Library Catalog Appropriate uses of the temporary cart and how to use it.
Creating Private Lists in the Library Catalog Learn how to create and use permanent lists.
Leaving Comments on Library Materials Share your thoughts on materials that you have borrowed. Comments are moderated by the library and will not show up immediately in the catalog. We request that respectful language is used so that all members of the community can enjoy your comments.
Tagging Materials in the Library Catalog Contribute your own subjects & keywords to the catalog by tagging and see how to browse tags. New tags are moderated by the library and will not show up immediately in the catalog. We request that respectful language is used so that all members of the community can use your tags.
RSS Feeds in Plain English Koha allows you to subscribe to searches! For instance, if you search for “bell hooks” you can subscribe to that search via RSS Feeds. Anytime the library gets new “bell hooks” materials that match your search, they will show up in your feed reader. This video by Common Craft will teach you all about RSS feeds and how to use them!
