Your Library Loves You

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Mercer County Library System! We love our patrons and our gift to you this year is a brand new website and mobile app. Let’s take a look at both, starting with our new app, MyMCLSNJ.

If you have used our BookMyne app in the past, you know it gets the job done, but has its limits and sometimes breaks on its own. You may have even used it and decided to abandon it if it no longer works on your device. This app was a general app offered by our library software, but we have upgraded to a new, fully-customized app that allows us to bring you more than just a handy place to check your account and holds. We can now deliver more information and services right to your fingertips and it comes with a much improved catalog and my account section. The MyMCLSNJ app will be available for free starting February 14 in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Just click the links in the previous sentence or look us up by name, you should see our new logo.

There are plenty of new features in the MyMCLSNJ app. Right at the top we have our recommendations section, which features staff picks, but click the more button and you get the option to see our new books, new audiobooks and special collections such as Lucky Day and Book Club In a Bag. Just below the recommendations is the scan ISBN feature. This is handy if you are not in the library, but see a book elsewhere. Maybe you are in line at the supermarket or browsing in a bookstore, you can scan the ISBN number barcode on the back of the book and our app will let you know if the library owns it. Traveling the county and want to stop by a new branch to browse? Use the nearest libraries feature to find the location closest to you. Need to book a curbside appointment? Use the link in the app.

Our other services are also highlighted in the new app, with our Virtual Library collections (hoopla and eLibraryNJ) searchable under Digital Entertainment; the ability to access eResources such as Flipster, Ebsco, and all of our other learning centers and databases; a full listing of all of our upcoming events; links to our social media channels (plus our blog and podcast); and a contact us section if you need more help or have a suggestion.

Of course you can still do the main things you need in a library app - place holds, check your account, and check out digital content. All of these can be done right at the top of the app. The search box will take you to our catalog. To the right of the search box is a hamburger menu (three stacked white lines) where you will see the option to sign in using your library barcode (the 14 digit number on the back of your card, no need to enter the spaces) and PIN (last four digits of your phone number). Once logged in, you can then place a hold on catalog items, check out digital content, or click the hamburger menu again to manage your holds, checkouts, and account. Linked accounts are also available on the app, simply tap Linked Accounts and then +Add in the upper right. You can then add accounts as long as you have the other user’s barcode number and PIN. Lastly, note that once you log in you now see a My Barcode icon on the bottom of the home screen, you will be able to use this in place of your library card at our branches later this year.

If you currently use the BookMyne app, be aware it isn’t going away, but will not be updated and you should plan to transition to the new app.

Our website is also getting a makeover this weekend with the launch of our new, user-friendly design. All the same content that you are used to is still there and in the same place, we are just sporting a cleaner design that is easier on the eyes. The site is ADA-compliant. Menus are now streamlined and visually appealing with both visual and text navigation, as seen in the example below, which shows our resources page.

- by Laura N., IT Department