Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who do I contact if I cannot find the answer to a question I have?

Answer: Technical Questions (I can't login, a page is not working etc): Nick Young (YoungNJ@lmc.edu)
Answer: All Other Questions: Alison Gulley (Gulley@lmc.edu) or Russell Taylor (TaylorRG@lmc.edu)

Q. What is the difference between a review and a discussion?

Answer: Reviews are completed once, and are your opinion about a book that you have read. Discussions are an ongoing conversation between people that may or may not have read a book. Anyone can add to the discussion about a book, and can do it as many times as they would like. Discussions about books should be viewed like other discussion forums, with one threaded conversation available per book.

Q. What is the difference between a Ranking and a Rating?

Answer: Bobcat Bookcase gives you the opportunity to create a Top 10 list of your favorite books. This is where you can use "rankings" to place books in order on your own Top 10 list. You may choose to rank every book you review, but only the Top 10 will display on your list.

Ratings are completed for every book you review, and are a value out of 10. These ratings are then averaged automatically to create the overall site Top List, which allows you to see what everyone else thought of the same book. You may rate a book with a low value, but still choose to place the book on your Top 10 list, as the two values are completely separate. Think of ratings like "how many stars" you would give for a book you've read, or maybe a way to give a virtual "thumbs up" or "thumbs down".

Q. When I search for a book, sometimes there are multiple versions. Which one should I review?

Answer: Bobcat Bookcase uses the massive database made available through Amazon.com to populate your search queries. As a result, there may be multiple versions of the same book/story.

The easiest solution, is for you to ensure that you review the "exact" title that you read, and not a "special edition" or any other variation. That way, if other people have read that special edition, your reviews will be kept separate.

If many of the search results still look the same (same title, no special edition appearance), then simply choose the book displayed closest to the top of the search results list.

Q. Why Can't I Login to Bobcat Bookcase?

Answer: Only people with valid, current Lees-McRae College E-Mail Accounts may access and use this website. If you believe that you should be allowed to access the site, please contact Technology Services. They will verify your account, and add you to the appropriate permissions group (Faculty / Staff / Students).

 

Q. What is a "Featured List"

Answer: A "Featured List" is a grouping of 10 or less books that match a particular characteristic.

Maybe you have a group of books that you love to read on long car rides. Maybe you have a list of the best children's novels, mystery novels, or books to take to the beach. If you do, submit a list of your own for consideration, and if approved, it will go into the rotation on the Bobcat Bookcase homepage and the Featured Lists page.

Even if it is not published on the main home page, your list will be displayed on your account page for others to find when they browse your reviews and comments.