Press Release

Free Book Reserves Online From The New York Public Library

Beginning Monday, July 7, 1997, The New York Public Library's Branch Libraries will offer free "online" reservation of books or non-book materials. Such a reserve, known as a "hold," may be placed by borrowers themselves on any circulating book or non-book item owned by the Library, with the exception of "Book Express" copies of popular titles. The new service replaces postcard requests and eliminates the $0.30 charge for each one.

Patrons may place a hold by using any LEO PC or terminal in a New York Public Library branch, or by using a PC with Internet access outside the Library. As Director of Branch Libraries Norman Holman explains, "All you need is a valid New York Public Library card and the last four digits of your phone number, or an optional Personal Identification Number (PIN), which can provide added security to Library records and can be obtained from any branch."

Patrons may also check the status of their holds online, or may cancel their holds if they are no longer needed. Outstanding loans and fines may be reviewed by using the Review Patron Record option. Readers may maintain up to 30 holds at one time, and will be notified by phone or mail when reserved materials are available to be picked up.

To reach LEO from any Internet PC, begin at NYPL's Home Page and click on Catalogs and Indexes, followed by "Telnet to LEO." Telnet software is currently required to access LEO from outside the Library. Printed instructions on how to place online holds will be available at every branch library, and Library staff are available to help people unfamiliar with computers.

More information about LEO.

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pro: jb/th: 6-23-97

thoerenz: pro: 6-27-97