How to Use Ratings
- First log into My Library Account.
- From there choose "SEARCH THE CATALOG" icon and locate the item you want to rate.
- Click on the number of stars you think the items should have.
Explanation of Ratings
Color Coding:
| Yellow |
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your rating |
| Blue |
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group rating |
| White |
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needs to be rated |
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Excellent. Highly recommended. |
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Very Good. Exceeds expectations. |
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Good. Met expectations but did not exceed them. |
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Fairly low opinion. Recommended only with reservations. |
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Extremely low opinion of this item. Would not recommend. |
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Never been rated. No recommendation available. |
Creating Your Own Reviews
You will need your library card number to create your reviews. If you don't have a PowerCard, you can create a temporary account to create reviews. Reviews created under a temporary card will be retained in the catalog, but not transferred to your permanent account.
- Go to the library's Catalog.
- Find the title that you want to review.
Quick Tip: Make sure the title reflects the format you want to review.
Reviewing the print version? Make sure you selected a print version of the title, not the DVD or Audiobook version.
- In the display of the full record, click on the "Create your review" button.
- You will be prompted for your name and library card number. Once you are logged in, you may write your review.
- Enter a title for your review in the box called "Review Headline:"
Quick Tip: Make it short and interesting.
This will display in the catalog as the link to your review
Example: "Old age is no fun"
- Enter your review. Use the Guidelines below to help you write a brilliant review.
- When you have completed your review, click on "Submit" button.
- Review your work and click either "OK" or "CANCEL".
As soon as you click the OK button, your review will be sent to Library staff for approval.
It will not appear until Library staff approves it.
- You can view and manage a list of all your reviews, including the ones not yet approved for display, in "My Account Details" by clicking on the "My Reviews" link. Those not yet approved will have the notation "Pending Approval.
Guidelines for Reviews
Thank you for choosing to create a review. The Guidelines below will help you get started.
- You may do only one review per title and may review any item in the catalog.
- Reviews should focus on the item's content and context. What did you like? What didn't you like?
- Feel free to refer to other titles in the catalog and how this title relates or compares to them.
- The ideal review will be clear and concise with a minimum of 50 characters and be less than 300 words long.
What to Avoid:
- Full name or contact information.
- Plot lines or details that will spoil the book or other item for others.
- Commentary on other specific reviews or reviewers.
- Information about speaker's tours, lectures, etc.
- Profanity, obscenities, libelous or spiteful remarks.
- Phone numbers, web sites, mail addresses, emails or URLs.
- Using the review process as a forum to promote your own work.
- Sales or promotional information.
- Soliciting others to make positive or negative reviews.
- If you sign your review please use only your first name, alias, or initials. We will not share your personal information.
Your review will be approved by Library staff prior to its appearing in the catalog. Only selected reviews will be posted. Reviews in violation of these Guidelines will not be posted. Posting is at the discretion of the Houston Public Library. Reviews reflect the opinions of Houston Public Library's customers. Reviews may be deleted by the Library at any time for any reason. All submitted reviews become property of the Houston Public Library.