Just in time for the winter break, Connie James-Jenkin, the Collection Development and Reference Librarian in the IRC, held an overview session to explain how easy it is to download eBooks and audio books from the Magic Wall, which is on the IRC’s website.
Anyone who missed Connie’s presentation on Thursday, December 17, 2015, can get the directions from Connie or visit Connie in the IRC and she’ll answer any questions. The IRC’s collection of eBooks is easy to get to. Just click “eBook collection” in the first column on the website and then click “Magic Wall.”
“There are 27,000 items in the collection,” said Connie. “There is an excellent selection of fiction, nonfiction and audio books.”
To access the collection, users will need to download an app onto newer devices. Connie can help those with older devices, and she has a handy sheet of directions and one of FAQs available for anyone who would like one.
There are current best sellers, classics and audio books in children, teen and adult fiction and nonfiction titles. Users can browse through the titles and if something appeals, just click on the title to see a synopsis. The IRC is a member of a consortium of over 100 libraries in the eRead Illinois program, which provides access to the eBook collection.
A click on the options listed on the left side of the screen brings users to very specific categories or genres. A click on the “Language” selection lets users know if the title is available in a language other than English. Currently, there are many items written in Spanish.
During the overview, Connie mentioned that users can borrow five titles at a time, and check out each item for a three week period. To return an item before it is due, just hover over the title and click “return.”
When users are browsing titles, they may notice an item that is shaded in gray. This item is checked out, and a user can put the item on reserve. An email notice will be sent to let the user know when the item is available for download.
Stop by the IRC before it closes for winter break on Wed., December 23, 2015, and ask Connie for assistance in downloading the app that will allow you to check out any item in the Magic Wall. If you’ve already downloaded the app, happy reading!