Software we like

[redbird]

The New York Public Library has computerized book (and music, and video) checkout and return.

I hadn't realized until I looked at the slip on the CD I borrowed a few days ago what a useful thing they're doing. It doesn't just tell me that this item is due on thus-and-such date. It lists everything I currently have out with the due dates. This is particularly useful because I'd forgotten that I have a book due on the 29th. Returning it on time will be trivial, now that I've been reminded.

(The system also knows that I owe them 50¢, and the next time I go there, with any luck there will be a functioning cash register and we can clear this up. But the book in question is not listed as still checked out, so that's okay.)

Comments

[calimac.livejournal.com]

My local PL doesn't list all items checked out on the slip - given some of the patrons, those would be mighty long slips, and even if the patron's name isn't listed I think some would prefer not to have that info on paper where others might see it if the slip is mislaid - but you can look all that up on the Web, re-arrange your checkouts by date due, renew them, and even pay your fines.

[bibliofile.livejournal.com]

Our public library is like yours. However, the next commenter pointed to libraryelf.com, which will send me warnings when something's due. Much more useful than those little slips, especially since I tend to have 20-30 books checked out at a time.

[malibrarian.livejournal.com]

There's also something called Library Elf, which some kind person developed, I think the webpage is as profound as www.libraryelf.com. You log in using your library log in and the program sends you reminders starting three days before the book is due. It's just wonderful and has saved me lots of money since the public library just prints out a slip telling you when the book is due (which always gets lost in our house!)