A new look for the Library

Well, not a new look for the library building per se, but the virtual

Newport Beach Public Library you see from a home, office or school

computer.

The library website -- www.newportbeachlibrary.org -- has been

completely redesigned to make it easier to use, faster and more

logically organized. One click takes you directly to the CATALOG,

where you can look up books, movies, cassettes or CDs, magazines and

teens’ and children’s materials. In one more click, you can reserve

the item you want and designate a branch for pickup. Click the next

box, ARTICLES AND DATABASES, and you are one click away from using

the databases provided by the library to its customers. Most of them

can be used at home or anywhere outside the library. All you need is

your library card number to show that you are a member.

These databases include ProQuest (a mostly full-text magazine and

journal database), the Grove dictionaries of music and art --

complete with sound and visual links, and the curriculum resource

centers with homework help for grades K-12. You will also find three

new databases: literature resource center, with information on

authors; biography resource center, biographical sketches and the

opposing viewpoints resource center, a source of information on

social issues.

Next down the line is YOUR LIBRARY ACCOUNT, where you can check on

when items are due. You can also check the status of items you are

waiting for, or see if you have any fines. You can also renew items

here.

HOURS & LOCATIONS is where you find information on all the

branches. BESTSELLERS AND NEW TITLES leads you instantly to current

bestseller lists. Under NEW TITLES, you can see the latest

acquisitions of books, movies, books on cassette and books on CD.

One more click will allow you to reserve the item and put yourself

in line to get a notification by e-mail when it is available.

SUGGESTED READING highlights listings of prize winners, librarian

recommendations and links to reading suggestions and national media

book clubs. One click on ASK A LIBRARIAN tells you how to call us and

get information. One more click will take you to a form where you can

write out your question, which will receive a response by return

e-mail within 24 hours.

CHILDREN’S SERVICES and TEENS@NBPL offer information on story

hours, programs and events, book clubs, homework help, recent book

and music reviews and links to help with college applications.

LITERACY gives information on improving English language skills and

opportunities to assist with this valuable program. BUSINESS SERVICES

highlights materials and websites useful to the business community.

Clicking on EVENTS will open up a world of programs, speakers, book

clubs, Internet instruction, musicales and a full monthly calendar.

SUPPORT NBPL gives information about the Newport Beach Public

Library Foundation and the Friends of the Library.

And finally, ABOUT NBPL gives a history of Newport Beach, the

library itself and the board of library trustees.

CHECK IT OUT is written by Newport Beach Public Library staff.

This week’s column is by Sara Barnicle. For more, contact the Newport

Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.