CLAMS Information

 www.clamsnet.org

This site contains a growing number of popular titles. In addition, there are foreign language courses and a small selection of music titles. Libraries will be ordering additional titles as budgets allow. Titles can be downloaded to a PC and then be transferred to a MP 3 player. The site contains a list of popular brands of MP 3 players that are compatible with Over Drive. Unfortunately, I Pods are not compatible because of licensing issues with Apple.

Patrons can also listen to the books on their computer if they don’t want to use an MP 3 player. Some titles may be burned to a disc. This is a copyright issue and publishers decide which titles they will allow to be burned to discs. The site clearly identifies which titles may be transferred. Visit the FAQ section of the site for a list of common questions and answers about using Over Drive.

The New and Popular link is self explanatory. Materials are divided into age levels and formats. The site has a Coming Soon section as well as lists of items added the previous month. There is a list of recent additions as well as a list of Hot Titles. Patrons can use the coming soon feature to see a list of New York Times Best Sellers as wells as a list of NYT titles that CLAMS libraries own. Book Discussion groups have contributed lists of titles their groups have read. This is a good source of titles you might like to try either individually or as part of a book group. The site also includes Holiday Titles (used by children) and Seasonal Titles like Gardening and Landscaping during the spring time. Patrons can pick up many good suggestions from visiting this section of the CLAMS catalog.

Lastly, the site includes a Reading History log under the My Account section. If you wish to use this feature, you need to opt in. It is not automatic. This summary of the features of Reading History is taken directly from the CLAMS website: www.clamsnet.org

If you wish to keep a list of what you have borrowed, you may sign in on My Account, choose My Reading History, and then choose the Opt In button. This begins the collection of titles you borrow from the CLAMS system. Some patrons have asked for this service as a means of recalling a book or author they liked or for keeping a list of what they have already read. If you are concerned about someone else seeing a list of what you are reading, the safest step is to not choose this option.

Libraries are very concerned about your privacy. Once an item has been returned, the CLAMS library system maintains no record of what you borrowed. However, with the My Reading History option, YOU can decide if you want the computer to keep a list of those titles. You will be able to delete specific items from your list, to delete the list altogether or to ‘Opt Out” at any time. To delete titles on your list, simply mark the titles. Then, click on the Delete Marked button. To opt out of My Reading History all together, delete all of the titles on your list. Then, click on the Opt Out button. The computer will no longer keep a record of what you borrowed.

The information is accessed by using your library card number and PIN number. If you have shared your PIN number with others, you may wish to change the PIN number to keep your Reading History private. The PIN number you gave staff when you registered is encrypted so staff does not know your PIN number and cannot view your Reading History Log.

I hope many of you visit these parts of the CLAMS catalog and make use of these new services.

Helene DeFoe, Director

Mashpee Public Library