OPAC

OPAC stands for Online Public Access Catalog. It is a fancy name for finding the books that a library has in their collection. I find it useful to have one computer station logged in and dedicated to being the OPAC. It might be useful to have an older computer with web access to serve this purpose.

Teach your students how to use the OPAC during booktalks when there is a waiting list for a particular title. I also like to do this after book fair when many of the popular new titles are in demand.

Another good opportunity to teach the OPAC is when you need to relocate from the library due to events such as testing. Take your show on the road. Bring a cart of books for check out, but also show students how to place holds so you can fill their orders later.

See Also:

• Hold Policy on how to manage your holds

• Wish List to request a book for the library collection