Loan Stars is the readers’ advisory tool that allows libraries across Canada to indicate their top ordered titles. Using LibraryData, the library data aggregation service available to libraries and other members of the publishing industry, the forthcoming titles with the most orders become Loan Stars top picks!
Along with Adult and Junior lists, Loan Stars periodically releases lists identifying the top-ordered Canadian-authored titles as well as genre-specific lists.
Any Canadian library supplying data to
LibraryData informs the top ordered titles eligible for Loan Stars.
If you’re based in the United States, there’s a library-oriented top 10 list for you too! Check out
LibraryReads today.
To get a free reading copy, look for the “Request” buttons on title detail pages in
CataList. If available, physical and digital reading copies can be requested straight from the publisher. Occasionally digital reading copies will also be offered through NetGalley. Click below for more information on using NetGalley, an online resource that allows libraries to access digital galleys:
On the
CataList home page, users who are logged in can find a link to a catalogue containing all the NetGalley content available on CataList. Check back often as there are new books available weekly!
If a publisher has made this content available, logged-in users to CataList will see buttons on the left side of Title View pages, beneath the cover image. Clicking on the “View a sample” or “Read an excerpt” buttons will open a viewer or may allow a download.
The monthly lists will be distributed via email. Subscribe to our mailing list. You can also find the lists on loanstars.ca and on our social media feeds: Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
If you have a platform on which you’d like to share past or present Loan Stars top 10 lists, you are free to repost a list, as presented, once it has been published on the Loan Stars website. Any lists must be attributed to the Loan Stars program as well as BookNet Canada and the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC/CBUC). When hyperlinked, the link must lead back to
loanstars.ca. Suggested text is provided below:
“Loan Stars’ monthly lists are the top forthcoming books ordered by libraries across Canada and organized by BookNet Canada with support from the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC/CBUC). More information is available at
loanstars.ca.”
Spread the word!
If you’re a publisher:
- make your forthcoming titles’ ARCs available to librarians by request through CataList;
- send your samples, excerpts, tables of contents, reading guides, teacher guides, and interior images to BiblioShare for display in CataList;
- share the top 10 lists via social media and tag LoanStars; and
- promote your titles to libraries and librarians.
If you’re a library staff member, find out if your library is participating in the
LibraryData program! If not, please
sign up.
If you’re interested in participating in the Advisory Group for Loan Stars, please
contact us.
