The New York Public Library is one of several libraries now using BiblioCommons — a new catalog interface that greatly improves the search experience. Searching for books, ebooks, DVDs, music, and all of our other holdings is easier than ever. It is also easy for you to share your expertise in new ways — rate and review materials, add videos, create new lists on a theme or a Top Ten, and browse lists from other users you follow. Now you can also save items to read later and keep track of what you've already read.

This is quite a novel change for a library catalog. If you are interested in registering and taking advantage of the new features, below is a step by step guide to getting started.

If you're a first time user, you'll need to register for an account. Click on either one of the Log In links. Log in with your library card number (no spaces) and 4 digit PIN.If you don't remember it, click the Forgot Your PIN link.A link to reset your PIN will be emailed to you (if you don't get anything, we might not have your current email address on file!)Next you will be prompted to create a username. You will be able to use this username to login in the future, instead of trying to memorize your 14 digit number! (You can use either your barcode or username to log in.) You must choose a username. Usernames must be letters, numbers, or underscores ("_") only, but they cannot be all numbers. Use the "check availability" button to see if yours is available. If you'd prefer to be anonymous on the site, try to select a username that does not personally identify you—your username will be visible to others if you choose to share content (write reviews, rate materials, create lists). You can change your username at any time. 

Please make note here of the FAQ and the Privacy Policy. You'll have the chance to select from a number of Interest Groups that may help shape future content geared to your choices.  Check the box to agree to the Terms of Use and click the Register button.Cardholders under the age of 13 may register for BiblioCommons, but due to legal age restrictions they may not write reviews, send messages or create any free-text content. When a person under 13 creates a username he or she selects from a combination of colors and animals.Once you have completed the registration process, go ahead and explore the catalog! You can rate and review items, create public or private lists, and store things you plan to read or have read on your virtual shelves. We think you'll also find it easier to place holds and renew materials as well. To change your PIN, username, preferred pick up location or email address, click on My Settings.Change your settings and click Save. If you are on a shared PC, remember to sign out when you are done reserving books or managing your account. To learn more about the registration process and the many new features of the catalog, visit: nypl.org/bibliocommons-faq.Let us know what you think of the new catalog features! Next up: How to migrate your lists from the old catalog.