Frequently Asked Questions About the Library Catalog

How can I see a list of all the items I placed on hold?

To review all the items you’ve placed on hold, click on the “My Account” link, enter your library card number and PIN, then select the Holds tab.

Tip: You can also work with your account from our main Web site. Just click on the “My Account” tab.

What is “Permalink”?

You can create a permanent link (permalink) to a page in the catalog. The permalink can be copied and used in a Web page, e-mail message, or blog. With a permalink, you can click the link to return to particular e-Library page, including a Search Results page or a Details display page for an item.

1. Go to the page or item display for which you want to create a permalink.
2. Click Permalink. The Permalink pop-up window displays.
3. Highlight the entire link shown in the Permalink field, and copy it.
4. Paste the copied link into a mail message, a Web page, or blog post.

Note: You cannot create permalinks by copying the URL of a browser window because the browser URL contains a unique ID for your current catalog session. If you end the catalog session and later try to use the copied URL, a message displays that the e-catalog session has ended, and you are returned to the catalog home page.

What is “Permanent Lists”?

The “Permanent Lists” feature can be used to create reading lists or bibliographies, which can be printed or emailed. It is not possible to place holds on items in “Permanent Lists.” You must be logged in to the catalog to use the “Permanent Lists” feature. Click on the “+My List” or “-My List” box to add or remove titles from your list.

What kind of information is included in the “My Account” tabs?

Checkouts · a complete list of titles currently checked out on your library card

Holds · a complete list of titles currently on hold for you

Bills · an itemized listing of unpaid charges on your account (overdues, damaged items, lost material, etc.)

I’m using the catalog at home and want to change the pickup location that displays when I place a hold on a title to my home branch.

If you are placing holds from your home computer and you have logged in to the catalog, the default pickup location that displays is the agency where you originally applied for a library card. Changing this location is easy—just call your local branch and they can update your record.

Why should I log in to use the catalog?

You don’t have to log in to use the catalog but you will enjoy several benefits if you do. Here are some great features that you will enjoy after logging in to the catalog:

• Placing holds is a snap, because you won’t have to reenter your account information.
• Clicking on “My Account” takes you directly to the account summary display, with no need to log in again.
• When you place a hold, the pickup location will default to your regular Library agency (but you can still change the pickup location if you like).
• When you find a title in the catalog and want to see where it is held, your regular Library agency will appear at the top of the list
• Finally, you will see a new button on the toolbar: “Permanent Lists.” This nifty feature allows you to create lists of titles and keep them on the system for future use. You can have multiple lists and it’s very easy to view, print, or e-mail the lists. Titles are added to the active list by simply clicking on the “+My List button” on the catalog results list. More information about working with “Permanent Lists” is available here.

You didn’t ask, but…

• Unless you’ve changed it, your PIN is the last 4 digits of the phone number you gave us when you applied for your card.
• The catalog is unavailable daily from 5:00 to 5:10 a.m. while system maintainance is being performed
• Please contact your local branch or Circulation Services (369-6913) if you have any questions about your account.
• If you have a question about our catalog that is not addressed here, please email us.