Associated Library Networks

The library belongs to NHAIS (New Hampshire Automated Information System), which is a multitype library system for the state of New Hampshire which provides the residents of New Hampshire rapid access to library and informational resources through a coordinated statewide information network.

You can now look at all the holdings in libraries throughout the entire state of New Hampshire using the Hampstead Public Library's web site? Every library in the state has put their holdings into the NH State Library's data base, and here's how you can see them: Go the our homepage at http://www.hampstead.lib.nh.us/, click on Research Resources on the left side of the screen, scroll down to New Hampshire Information, click on Catalogs on the right side of the screen, click on Connect to the NHU-PAC (New Hampshire Union Public Access Catalog), click on the tab for Advanced Searching, enter the title of the book you are looking for. Now you can find out if some other library has a title that Hampstead doesn't have.

Once you've located the title you want and you want to borrow it, just come into the library and fill out an Inter-library Loan Request card at the front desk. To fill out the card you need to know the title (and subtitle if there is one) and the author's full name. If you also have the ISBN, that's a big help, too. Please print your name clearly, add your phone number and library card number in the appropriate spots, and give the card to the person at the desk. It takes a bit of time to process inter-library loans but we will call you when your request comes in.

Technology really does help libraries serve their communities better and better all the time. Never before could people sit at home and check not only their local library's holdings but the holdings of every library in the state. Never before could you renew your books or put a reserve on something in your library that's out from home, even at 2 a.m. if you're an insomniac. We often complain about the computerization of our world, but there are real pluses, too. Take advantage of the wonders the Hampstead Public Library's new capabilities offer.