CAPE LIBRARY PUTS BOOK CATALOG ONLINE

Patrons at the Cape Girardeau Public Library can now check the status of a popular book title, place titles on reserve and research genealogy titles with a few keyboard strokes -- and never have to leave their home.

The library's catalog of materials is online and available for reference use. The system has been up for about a month and is being refined, said Betty Martin, library director.

The library wants visitors to the site to register their questions and suggestions.

"We are trying to make it as user-friendly as possible," Martin said.

People who visit the Web site will see that the catalog search is the same as the system available at the library. The library no longer uses a card catalog to keep paper files of book titles but depends on computerized versions.

Patrons using the online catalog cannot check their records or find out if they owe fines, Martin said.

The system will help them to search titles to make sure a particular book is available before they come to the library. However, because the system is changing constantly because books and materials are being checked out, patrons should call the library to make sure the title they wanted is available, Martin said.

With everything becoming more interactive and people shopping online, it only made sense to offer the library's catalog online. It's another convenience.

"People love to be able to order things online," Martin said, adding that a computerized catalog system is as close to placing an order as library patrons will likely get.

For the system to work, you must have a Java-enabled computer and keep the cursor inside the system window. You have to have a valid library card to place a hold on material.

For information, you can call the library at 334-5279 or visit the Web site.

On the Net:

Cape Girardeau Public Library: http://showme.net/cgpl/