Do you love discovering the next big author before everyone else, or sharing those hidden gem titles that surprise and delight your readers? Few things are more rewarding than connecting a reader with the perfect book — and having a collection ready to deliver those moments.
Core Collections subscribers have an edge! Here are two ways to easily find those big new titles or hidden gems that are the additions to your library collection, guaranteed to get readers talking.
Tip #1: Streamline searches with Field Codes
If you’re juggling a dozen things (and what librarian isn’t?), searching using field codes can make your life a whole lot easier. Here are a few of our favorites:
- DZ (Dewey Range): Perfect for collection updates. Example: Type in DZ 615–616 to search for rapidly changing topics of health and medicine.
- RD (Reading/Grade Level): Great for filling in gaps within a school library or for public libraries partnering with educators. Example: Type RD PreK K 1 in the search field for titles perfect for younger readers. This particular search looks for books leveled for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade, respectively.
- PG (Page Count): Want to ensure that you're meeting the needs of patrons who love chunky epics? Example: Type PG >400 to search for titles over 400 pages.
Learn more here about Field Codes in Core Collections, including their definitions and how they can speed up your searches. Here are some practical examples of using field codes to help you get the hang of it.
Tip #2: Explore Trending Searches
One of the best parts of the new Core Collections user experience is the frequently updated Trending Searches section right on the homepage. You can learn what’s popular based on the topics that show up in Trending Searches. These spotlights are powered by NoveList's unique metadata, including our popular "library helpers," which are search phrases that match what patrons are searching for.
For example, searching SU Debut Titles brings up the best new voices in fiction and nonfiction. Find thrillers like All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman or nonfiction standouts like I Am Infinity: The Spiritual Journey of Albert Einstein by Kieran C.E. Fox with just a quick search.
Trending Searches also include topics like:
- Page to Screen: Keep up with the latest book adaptations! Search SU Page to Screen to find titles that have been adapted to the big or small screen, like Anthony Horowitz’s unconventional novel-within-a-novel Magpie Murders series. The newest title, Marble Hall Murders, is out in May, perfect for a ‘Read it Before You See It’ display!
- Book Club Best Bets: Looking for crowd-pleasers that spark lively discussions? Try SU Book Club Best Bets to find guaranteed hits, like the latest from Nobel Laureate Han Kang, We Do Not Part, full of stylistically complex writing and rich detail of a hidden chapter of Korean history.
Learn more about “library helpers” and how NoveList vocabulary is used in Core Collections here.
Bonus tips to make collection development work easier
- Speed up your selection process with clear recommendation levels that help you prioritize what to add next.
- Weed with confidence using expert guidance to evaluate whether a title still belongs on your shelves.
- Save time by setting up custom alerts for your go-to searches — no need to start from scratch each time.
- Support specialized areas by adding the Graphic Novels Core Collection or Core Collection en Español for Spanish-language materials.
