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 CollectionsCommunication | Digital itemsMiscellaneous |
PopulationsPublic Relations  | Readers Advisory | Reading LogsResume Builders |
Security | Tech toolsVideo Conferencing | Video Creation | Website Development | YouTube Channels

Circulation and Collections

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

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

Security

  • RUN. HIDE. FIGHT – from the City of Houston, tips for surviving an active shooter event

Tech Tools

Video Conferencing

Video Creation

Website Development (this is an informational list, not an endorsement for specific companies)

  • ALA Accessibility Guidelines
  • Canva – online design tool – great for library signs or images for webpage
  • Codecademy – teaches programming skills to students of all levels
  • ConnectIN – Indiana State Library provides free high-quality and functional websites for public libraries, websites are hosted at the Indiana State Library and built through WordPress
  • Digital Hill – developed the NICCL website
  • FontAwesome – find vector images and icons for websites
  • Iconic Digital – web design firm
  • Syndetics Unbound – modern user interface for online catalogs
  • Weebly – free website builder (subscription available for advanced features)
  • Wix – free website builder (subscription available for advanced features)
  • WordPress courses – courses by WordPress
  • WordPress.com
  •  – blogging platform hosted by WordPress
  • WordPress.org – software can be installed on to your computer and you find your own hosting provider
  • Wowbrary – informs library patrons by email and/or RSS about your library’s newest items

YouTube Channels

 

PDO updated 12-2-2022