MCLS Communique

New NetLibrary Holds Feature

January 27th, 2010 Kelly Bayee

On January 27th, NetLibrary will release a new holds feature that will allow users to place popular eBooks and eAudiobooks on reserve.  With this enhancement, users will be able to place holds request for titles in use by other users, view their place in line for each item, and receive e-mail notification when the content is available for check-out.

Holds will be available to all libraries that purchase content from NetLibrary.  Users will be able to request a hold for up to 40 titles, with 2 days to check out titles once they become available.  When the holds feature is initially released, functionality will be activated for eAudiobook content only.  To activate holds for eBooks, e-mail OCLC’s Customer Service Department at support@oclc.org.  Holds management, including the ability to turn holds on and off for each content type, modify the number of hold per patron, and view reports on popular titles held each month, will be available through the Library Resource Center in summer 2010.

With over 200,000 eBooks and 10,000 eAudiobooks available in the NetLibrary catalog and a growing number compatible with portable devices including mobile phones, laptops, iPods and iPhones, this new feature will enhance the user experience and increase circulation and management of NetLibrary content.

PLEASE NOTE:  The addition of this feature will require that NetLibrary will be unavailable for approximately 1 hour, from 7am-8am EST Wednesday, January 27.

Entry Filed under: OCLC News, Reference