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Bookmarked

A teal book icon with the word 'Bookmarked' in teal text below it.

At the heart of Olney Community Library's mission is a commitment to fostering a love for reading among students and adults. In pursuit of this goal, the library has introduced Bookmarked/OnShelf, an innovative tool designed to enhance reading experiences for students, educators, and parents alike.

Bookmarked is a versatile platform that empowers parents and educators to guide students in their reading journeys. It offers a range of features that promote critical thinking and deeper engagement with texts. Here’s a closer look at what Bookmarked brings to the table:

**Detailed Book Summaries**: Each book is accompanied by a comprehensive summary, helping readers understand the context and main themes before diving in.

**Tailored Discussion Questions**: To stimulate critical thinking, Bookmarked provides discussion questions that can be used in classrooms or at home, encouraging thoughtful dialogue about the reading material.

**Real-Time Checkout Notifications**: Parents receive immediate alerts when their child attempts to check out a book. This feature ensures that parents are always in the loop regarding their child's reading choices.

**Reading Progress Tracking**: Bookmarked allows both parents and educators to monitor a student’s reading journey, making it easy to celebrate achievements and identify areas for improvement.

**Personalized Reading Recommendations**: The platform suggests books based on a student's interests and reading level, making it easier for them to find books they'll love.

**Parental Restrictions**: Parents can set guidelines for their child’s reading choices, ensuring that the content aligns with their family values.

The checkout process at Olney Community Library is streamlined with Bookmarked. When a student approaches the circulation desk, library staff scan the student's library barcode and the book they wish to check out. If the book is restricted based on the parent’s settings, an alert is triggered, prompting the staff to guide the student to select another book.

Lori Cox, Director of Library Services, explains, "We are just beginning this journey with Bookmarked. We have been told that the parents will get a real-time email/text telling them that their child is trying to check out a book that is restricted for them. The parent is supposed to have the ability to okay the book in real-time or deny it. This feature not only empowers parents to be involved in their child's reading choices but also promotes responsible reading habits among students.”

The introduction of Bookmarked at Olney Community Library represents a significant step towards creating a collaborative reading environment. By engaging both parents and educators, the platform ensures that students not only have access to a wide range of literature but also the support they need to navigate it thoughtfully.

As schools and families strive to foster critical thinking and a lifelong love of reading, Bookmarked serves as an essential tool in bridging the gap between home and library. It encourages open communication about reading choices, helping to cultivate informed and discerning readers.

Olney Community Library’s adoption of Bookmarked is a testament to its dedication to enhancing the reading experience for students. With its innovative features and real-time communication capabilities, Bookmarked is set to transform how students, parents, and educators approach reading.

  • One Page Description

  • Guide to OnShelf/Bookmarked

  • If you’re needing help click the Knowledge Base. If the Knowledge Base doesn’t help, please call the Library at 940.564.5513 and ask for Mrs. Cox.

  • How to use the search capabilities in the list of books.

    Our platform offers a search functionality, allowing you to quickly find and organize relevant information. Here's a concise guide on how to effectively utilize this feature.

    Searching for Information:

    • On the dashboard, locate the search box positioned at the top left, just above the book catalog.
    • Click on the "Search" box to initiate a search.
    • You can search by the following categories:
      • Book Title: Type the name of a title to find specific books.
      • Author: Enter an author's name to search for books by that author.
      • ISBN Code: Input an ISBN code to find a book using its unique identifier.
      • Content Tags: Search for books with specific content tags, such as "History."
      • Book Description: Search for keywords that may appear in the description of the book.
    • As you type your query, the platform will display all results matching your search criteria.
    • To go back to the entire catalog, ensure you click the "x" button on the right side of the search bar. 

  • Engage with your child during their literary journey by clicking on the Engagement tab within each Book Details page.

    OnShelf is designed to bridge the connection between home and school when it comes to a child's reading journey. We have created several ways that a parent can engage with what their child is reading, as described below. 

    Engage with a Particular Book:

    OnShelf allows you to delve into each book your child reads, offering insights and prompts that facilitate meaningful discussions and a deeper understanding of the content. To engage with a specific book, click on the title of the book to open a detailed view. 

    1. Information Tab: Here you can find the book details as provided by the publisher, such as the title, author, ISBN, publisher, and high-level description.
    2. Engagement Tab: Here you can find engagement features that allow you to participate in your child's journey while they read the book. 
      1. Detailed Summary: Access comprehensive book summaries on OnShelf to quickly grasp the themes and narratives your child is exploring. This feature saves you time and equips you with the knowledge to discuss and reinforce key learning points during family time.
      2. Critical Thinking Questions: OnShelf provides thought-provoking questions at various stages of your child’s reading journey, fostering critical thinking and discussion. Engage with your child on a deeper level by exploring these questions together, enhancing their comprehension and analytical skills, while allowing you to participate in their reading journey without reading every book they check out. 

    Engage with their Reading History:

    OnShelf helps you monitor and nurture your child's reading development by understanding trends and suggesting new reading materials that match their evolving interests and needs. To engage with their reading history, click on "Home" and toggle between each of your children's names for insights. 

    1. Checkout History: Review your child’s checkout history to track their reading progress and interests over time. This insight allows you to celebrate their achievements, understand their evolving interests, and guide their reading habits more effectively. You could even use this information to inform purchases for your child, ensuring you're choosing something they would be interested in and haven't read yet! 
    2. Book Recommendations: OnShelf offers tailored book recommendations based on your child’s reading patterns and preferences. This feature helps expand their horizons with new books they are likely to enjoy, ensuring a varied and enriching reading experience.

    Conclusion

    At OnShelf, we're committed to enriching your child's reading experience and enhancing your engagement as a parent. By providing you with tools to connect over individual books and observe their reading habits over time, we help foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for your child's educational journey.