Helpful Tools for Libraries
Here is a list of tools that might be helpful to your library. This isn’t an endorsed list and there are other tools available, but these are tools that many libraries in Indiana use. Some are free and others have a cost.
Circulation and Collections | Communication | Digital items | Miscellaneous |
Populations | Public Relations | Readers Advisory | Reading Logs | Resume Builders |
Security | Tech tools | Video Conferencing | Video Creation
Circulation and Collections
- A Simple Book Repair Manual – a guide to repairing books, including necessary tools and instructions for ten simple repairs
- CREW Weeding Manual – the classic weeding manual, revise in 2012
Communication
- Discord – YouTube tutorial by Andrew Laverghetta, Eckart Public Library public service specialist – “Your place to talk” – communication tool / perpetual message board or chat room. Click here to go to Discord’s website.
- Slack – workplace chat app
COVID information
Digital items (ebooks, emagazines, videos, etc.)
- Flipster – digital magazines through EBSCO
- Hoopla – streaming platform for audio books, comics, e-books, movies, music & tv
- Kanopy – streaming platform for films & documentaries
- Overdrive/Libby
- TumbleBooks – curated database of children’s e-books and more
Miscellaneous
- Doodlepoll – simple way to schedule meetings
- Kahoot – game-based learning platform
- Niche Academy – tool for creating online training
- PrinterOn – print on demand from laptop, tablet or smartphone
- Tasks for down time pdf
- Wakelet – a free resource to capture, organize and share multi-media resources with students, teachers, and learning communities
Populations
- Getting Started with Library Customer Service – a self-paced module for customer service
- Libraries and Autism – video, resources and tips for working with patrons with autism
- A Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness – an explanation of library services to homeless patrons
Public Relations
- Canva – online design tool – great for library signs or images for webpage
- Constant Contact – email marketing software
- LibraryAware – newsletter software EBSCO product cost is determined on library population
- Wowbrary – informs library patrons by email and/or RSS about your library’s newest items
Readers Advisory
Reading Logs
Resume Builders
- Resume Generator – made by a librarian at the Allen County Public Library
Security
- RUN. HIDE. FIGHT – from the City of Houston, tips for surviving an active shooter event
Tech Tools
- Favorite Tech Tools for Busy Librarians – Pam Seabolt’s (MCLS) Wakelet board
Video Conferencing
- Google Hangouts – rolling out free access until September 30, 2020 to their advanced video-conferencing capabilities
- GoToMeetings
- Microsoft Teams
- Zoom website
Video Creation
- Camtasia – software for creating video tutorials – screen recorder & video editor
- Flipgrid – record & share short videos
- Icecream Screen Recorder – free screen recording software
- Screencast-O-Matic – screen recorder & video editor
YouTube channels
- Angela Hursh – Library Marketing Expert
PDO updated 7-21-2020
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