Amazon users now have an answer for "I wonder if the library has this?"
Instructions are below for a nifty extension that you can add to the Google Chrome browser so, when you search Amazon and display an item, you can see whether it is available in your local library.
The library information displays above the purchase information on the right side of the Amazon window! It has some quirks, but it works fairly well. It’s designed to find print books and ebooks, but it will find dvd and audio formats of titles for which the library does not have a print or ebook version.
Instructions:
1. If you use the Google Chrome browser, add the (free) library extension at the Google Chrome webstore:
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/library-extension/chkgcmmjoejpekoegkedcpifgfhpjmec?hl=en
2. Then go to Amazon to search for a book.
3. Link to an individual book – and you will be prompted by the library extension to select your library (Dakota State University).
4. Once that is done, it should work for you.
Be aware of the following:
- When the library has the item as an ebook, libraryextension will say the library has 0 items, BUT the button labeled “Add yourself to the waitlist” will take you to the item description in our Library Catalog where you can find the link to the ebook. Example Amazon search: best customers new strategist
- When the library has the item as an ebook in Overdrive, it will say we have 0 items, BUT the button labeled “Reserve your copy” will take you directly into Overdrive to the item. And the button “Add yourself to the waitlist” will take you to the Library Catalog where you can find the link to the ebook. Example Amazon search: justin cronin passage.
- When the library has the item in print, the button labeled “Reserve your copy” will take you to the item’s description in the Library Catalog. Example Amazon search: nicholas sparks safe haven. [Note: The “Reserve your copy” button may show for items that the library does *not* have, if libraryextension has matched words in the title and found some other item in the catalog. Example: Wedding Nicholas Sparks]
- When the library has the book in multiple formats, only the print book is linked. Example Amazon search: nicholas sparks last song
- When the library has only non-print formats, one of the non-print items will be linked. Example Amazon search: nicholas sparks dear john
- When the library does *not* have the item, there will be no linking button and it typically reads “This title may not be available. Hint: Try another format.” Example Amazon search: nicholas sparks longest ride
- You can’t actually “Add yourself to the waitlist” or “Reserve your copy,” but you must use those buttons to get to an ebook or to find the shelf location of a print book in the library.
