The Trapped Librarian

Make your library the center of your school

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Topics
    • Books for Kids
    • Bulletin Boards and Displays
    • FUN!
    • Helpful Hints
    • Library Advocacy
    • Life
    • Organize It!
    • School Library
    • Technology
    • TPT
  • Shop
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
You are here: Home / School Library / Empower Your Students with Library Catalog Skills

September 10, 2020 by: Laura

Empower Your Students with Library Catalog Skills

Last Updated on September 12, 2020 by Laura

Library Catalog Skills to Empower Your Students

Every year I start out my library lessons with a review and some instruction on how my students can manage their library accounts.  With all of the changes this year is bringing to our circulation routines, library catalog instruction is more important now than ever.  Because of health and safety concerns from the Covid19 pandemic, some schools are not allowing students to browse for books, and some have curbside pickup or classroom delivery programs. 

If your students know how to place holds in your library catalog system, they can have a chance to choose their own reading material even under unusual circumstances.  And while you’re at it, help them learn how to create a “Want to Read” list, so they’re never out of ideas.  Not only will these library catalog skills help them now, they are transferable to their middle school, high school and public libraries, and academic libraries as well.

You may want to create a video tutorial for students and families to refer to when they want to request library materials.  I created one that includes the following steps, which may be useful to you if your school uses Destiny.

Placing a Hold in the Library Catalog

  1. Click “Log In” in the top right corner.
  2. Enter your username and password and click “Submit.”
Log In Library Catalog Skills

3. Check to make sure you’re logged in by clicking the “person” in the top right corner.

Library Catalog Skills Place a Hold

4. Search for a book, click “Hold.”

Make a “Want to Read” List

You can make a “Want to Read” list by adding books to your “Favorites.” Follow the same steps as above, but click “Favorite” instead of “Hold.”

Check Your Library Catalog Information

Part of your library catalog instruction should include showing students how to monitor their own accounts. Click on the “Hamburger Menu” (the three lines in the top left corner) and you have many options.

Library Catalog Skills Check Your Information

You can see a list of items checked out to you by choosing “Checkouts.” Click “Holds” to check on the status of the items you’ve requested. Look at your “Want to Read” list at “Favorites.”

Library Catalog Settings

You may need to change the settings for holds in your school library systems. In Destiny Discover, you can do that in the Back Office. Choose Admin and Access Levels. Under the Patrons tab you’ll find “Self Empowered Patron Access.” Some school librarians want students to be able to place holds on available copies now, when that was probably not how you operated before the pandemic.

Let me help!

Holds and “Want to Read” lists are always essential components of library catalog skills, but especially this year . That’s why I’ve included a link to my video tutorial as well as a one page reference sheet for students in all of the library catalog practice science units. I’ve also added them to the Fall Library Catalog Practice unit as well (and will be adding to the other seasons as I update them). Take a look at this preview video to see if this unit is right for you.

Your elementary school library lessons should include important library catalog skills like how to place holds, how to create a “Want to Read” list, and how to check library account information. Empower your students to enjoy a lifetime of reading by teaching them these important library catalog skills! #thetrappedlibrarian #schoollibrary

Be the light!

  • 6 Back to School Books Your Students Will Love
    Build a Lifetime Love of Reading with Fantastic Kids Book Series
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Past Posts

    Categories

    Find it Fast

    Books for Kids Bulletin Boards and Displays Collaboration Distance Learning Freebies FUN! Helpful Hints Inspiration Library Advocacy Library Decor Library Events Library Lessons Library Management Life Organize It! Professional Development Remote Learning Research School Library Seasonal Technology Tech Tips Test Prep TPT Uncategorized

    TPT Shop

    Facebook

    Pinterest

    Instagram

    thetrappedlibrarian

    📚 Elementary School Librarian
    🌟 NBCT 2011
    👩🏻‍🏫 Teacher Author
    Blog: trappedlibrarian.org

    💥 Tried, trusted, and teacher-approved! This ul 💥 Tried, trusted, and teacher-approved!
This ultimate bundle of book series lists + bookmarks is a must-have for busy elementary librarians and teachers.

✨ 290+ book series lists and 100+ book series bookmarks organized by type:
❤️ Chapter Books
💛 Picture Books & Easy Readers
💙 Nonfiction
💚 Graphic Novels

✅ Print-and-go resources
✅ Supports student choice & reading independence
✅ Loved by kids AND educators!

💜 Save time and spark more reading excitement → → → → https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/12-Off-Book-Series-Lists-Ultimate-Bundle-with-Lists-and-Bookmarks-11680968?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=TL%20Ultimate%20Series%20Bundle

 #elementarylibrary #elementarylibrarian #thetrappedlibrarian #librarymediaspecialist #schoollibrary #schoollibrarian #tpt #elementarylibraryfun #schoollibrarians #kidsbooks
    Start small. Think big. This PD session shows you Start small. Think big.
This PD session shows you how to turn simple library event ideas into meaningful experiences your students will love—without burning out.
📝 Includes a Kickstart Guide + Editable Planning Template!

Get started today! >>>>> https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Special-Events-in-the-Library-Professional-Development-for-School-Librarians-6381918?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=TL%20Library%20Events%201%20PD

#ElementaryLibrarian #LibraryLife #ProfessionalDevelopment #librarylove #thetrappedlibrarian #elementarylibrary #teacherlibrarian #schoollibrarians #schoollibrary
    Looking for new ways to energize your school libra Looking for new ways to energize your school library?
This PD session gives you tools, templates, and inspiration to plan events that build excitement, engagement, and community.
📚✨ Ready to make your library the heart of your school?

Half price this week! >>>>> https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Special-Events-in-the-Library-Professional-Development-for-School-Librarians-6381918?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=TL%20Library%20Events%201%20PD

 #thetrappedlibrarian #elementarylibrary #librariansofinstagram #librarymediaspecialist #elementarylibrarian #schoollibrary #schoollibrarian #schoollibrarypd
    Add some adventure to your library or classroom! 🕵️‍♂️
My FREE School Supplies Scavenger Hunt gets little learners exploring with a purpose.
Perfect after book checkout or anytime you need a quick, meaningful activity!

Get it here 👉 https://the-trapped-librarian.myflodesk.com/free-supplies-hunt
    ☀️ Keep kids smiling AND reading this summer! ☀️ Keep kids smiling AND reading this summer!
These Summer Reading Bookmarks are just right for summer school, library programs, or take-home packs:
✅ 12 silly summer jokes
✅ 8 cheerful sayings
🎨 Full color + black & white options (hello, instant coloring activity!)
 
They’re easy to prep and perfect for helping kids stay connected to books all summer long!
📎 Get yours here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Bookmarks-Summer-Reading-Bookmarks-9514093?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=TL%20Summer%20Bookmarks%20FB
    I believe this with all my heart: 💛 When you cr I believe this with all my heart: 💛 When you create meaningful collaboration with your specialist team, your school transforms.

In this PD session, I share the exact themed units and strategies that helped turn my library into a true center of our school community. It’s doable—and it’s so worth it!

🎉 This updated session is ready! Already own it? Redownload it for free. New here? Grab it on sale now!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Schoolwide-Collaboration-for-School-Librarians-Professional-Development-Training-6381854?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=TL%20Schoolwide%20Engagement%20PD

 #elementarylibrarian #elementarylibrary #librarymediaspecialist #teacherlibrarian #schoollibrarian #schoollibrary #tpt #teacherspayteachers #librariansofig #thetrappedlibrarian
    💭 Imagine this… working with your music teach 💭 Imagine this… working with your music teacher, PE teacher, and other specialist colleagues, all using the same theme you kicked off in the library. 

⭐️ That’s schoolwide collaboration in action—and it works!

In Session 4 of my PD series, you’ll get flexible models, unit examples, and tools to make it a reality.

💜Newly updated and on sale! 
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Schoolwide-Collaboration-for-School-Librarians-Professional-Development-Training-6381854?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=TL%20Schoolwide%20Engagement%20PD
    ⭐️ 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀!⭐️ These book series lists will keep your students reading and hook them on books that they love.
 
Features of this time-saving resource:
✅  Lists of popular chapter book series in order
✅  Printable or Digital lists
✅  Printable bookmarks have fun quotes on the back
 
📚  Grab this versatile resource and make it easy for your students to find their next favorite book! 📚

Grab them today! >>>>> https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/12-Off-Book-Series-Lists-Ultimate-Bundle-with-Lists-and-Bookmarks-11680968?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=TL%20Ultimate%20Series%20Bundle
    Looking for a fun way to keep your K–2 students Looking for a fun way to keep your K–2 students moving and engaged? 🎒
Grab my FREE School Supplies Scavenger Hunt — it's low-prep, high-fun, and perfect for your library or classroom!
Sign up and get it sent straight to your inbox. 📬

👉 https://the-trapped-librarian.myflodesk.com/free-supplies-hunt
    Follow on Instagram
    • ABOUT
    • CONTACT
    • Privacy Policy

    © 2025 // Design by Laugh Eat Learn // Theme by Pretty Darn Cute Design