Freezing Holds instead of Cancelling

Traveling for the holidays? Did you know that you can "Freeze" your holds while you are out of town, and then "Un-Freeze" them when you get back so you don't lose your place in line?

Here's your dilemma: The book you are waiting for has a really long holds list.

The good news: it might come in any day! The bad news: you might be gone when it comes in and you might not be back in time to retrieve it, since the library only keeps holds for six days before sending it along to the next person

To avoid this scenario, you could cancel your hold and then re-request it when you get back. However, you will lose your spot in line and get stuck at the bottom of the list. To keep your spot, "freeze" your holds in your online Minuteman account, instead.

To log in, go to the Minuteman Library Network catalog and click the "Login to My Account" button in the upper right hand corner.

In the middle of the page, you will see a link to your current holds, which you can click on to see more details.

You will notice that the far-right column says "Freeze." If you click this button, and then click the "Update List" button, your holds will remain frozen until you re-activate them.

When your hold is frozen, it will look like this:

And when you un-check the box and click "Update List", it goes back to normal!

This way, you will be "skipped" but not cancelled. And when you unfreeze, you will retrieve your spot in line instead of having to face the bottom of the list.

Happy traveling!!!

Consumers Corner

Not exactly finished with your Christmas shopping yet? (Don't panic - still two weeks left.) Not sure what to get Grandma? Or maybe you are already past this step (nice) and have actually come up with a brilliant idea for a gift (e-reader for your older sister- genius!), but now find yourself daunted by the confusing task of which one to get?

Maybe Nook? Or a Kindle?- but a Paperwhite or Fire!?? Nexus Tablet? i-Pad? Kobo? (What is a Kobo...) So many choices! Which one will she like? WHICH ONE IS BEST?!

Never fear. The library is at your rescue. Come visit our Consumers Corner, located on the second floor by our Periodicals office.

Here you will find a selection of publications perfect for your consumer needs - just in time for the holidays (lucky you.)

Resources include:

• Banker & Tradesman
• Boston Consumers Checkbook
• Consumer Reports Buying Guide
• Consumer Reports Magazine
• Shop Smart

So now when Dad wants a new TV, rest assured that you will not be getting him just any TV; you will be getting him a carefully tested and painstakingly reviewed TV that he will be sure to love.

And remember - you can access Consumer Reports from home through our databases site if you are a Framingham resident and have a library card. Look for the green icon on the homepage of our website:









You'll be able to use the A-Z index to browse all sorts of items - blender for your best friend, GPS device for your nephew, headphones for your cousin, blue-ray player for Mom, etc. View ratings and read articles as if you had the print issues in front of you.



Need any help accessing the database? Visit us at the Reference Desk, e-mail us at fplmail6@minlib.net, or give us a call at 508-532-5570 x4361.

Make holiday shopping easier this year by getting acquainted with a great resource- brought to you by your library.