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We admit to using the Austin Public Library Online Catalog at least once a week to search for books we've heard about and to put books on hold. So we were happy to see that the online catalog was updated over the weekend. The "My Account" button in the top navigation now opens a new window for you to sign into, which is more private and secure for public computers than the previous setup. The patron account information is all in one area; now you can renew books on the same page you view your reserve status. The previous setup made you sign in and view separate pages for renewals and account status.
But now the not-so-great news . . .
Image from Austin Public Library Online Catalog
With this new system comes the "My Favorites" page. The default setting for this page is to list every author whose book you have checked out in the past (at least for the past few years). Same for any subject a past book you have checked out might have been shelved under. Example from our page: our accidentally checking out a Spanish translation of Persepolis 2 a few months ago led to "Adolescentes--Biografía--Muñequitos, tiras cómicas, etc." being listed under "My Favorite Subjects." This could be a handy service, but it is a little creepy to be reminded that the library keeps a record of every book you check out (and may have to pass that on to the government).
The good news is that you can change the settings of this page to not include every author or subject you check out, and instead input your favorites on your own. Overall, the updated system should be easier and quicker to use, but we look forward to continued improvements.
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