Using the Online Catalog FAQs

  • General Questions

    To search the catalog, click on the "Search" button (indicated by the magnifying glass) in the upper right corner of the homepage. You can use the drop-down box to search by title or author.

    You can also click on the "Catalog" button in the navigation menu.

    Sign in to your account by clicking Log In / My Account in the upper right corner of any page of the new website or catalog.

    If it's your first time logging in, you’ll need to register your account and create a username.

    If you’re already logged in, click the blue My Account button at the top right of any page of the new website or catalog to see a menu for your account.

    You can access your checked out items, holds, shelves, and other account features directly from this menu.

    BiblioCommons, our catalog vendor, has provided detailed instructions for using the catalog to find items and manage your account. Browse or search their Catalog Instructions, opens a new window.

    A list is a collection of titles related to a specific topic or idea of your choosing. You can read even more about lists here.

    Shelves let you keep track of library items you’ve borrowed, or plan to borrow in the future. Read more about shelves.

    The website has some things that are always public, some that are always private, and some that people can make private if they want, but they default to public. Here’s a handy list:

    Always private

    • Borrowing History
    • Account information (name, address, email, phone)
    • Card number and PIN
    • Private notes on catalog records

    Things you can make private

    These items are public by default, but you have the option to make them private. See Website Privacy Settings, opens a new window for step-by-step instructions for making shelves and lists private.

    On your profile

    • My Shelves – Completed, In Progress, For Later
    • My Lists
    • Activity Feed

    On catalog records

    • Comments
    • Quotes
    • Similar Titles
    • Notices
    • Age Suitability
    • Summaries
    • Notices
    • Videos

    Registration is a one-time process that allows you to create an easy-to-remember login name, or username, that you can use instead of your barcode to check your account. If you have a Google or Hotmail account, you already know about usernames. If not, think of a username as your library nickname. Need ideas? Use your initials and your street number (SDK203), your dog’s name, or something about you (Twilightfan), that’s short and easy for you to remember.

    Remember that the public comments and lists that you post will include your username. Registration is required to take advantage of all of the features of the site, including the ability to manage your renewals and holds, contribute ratings and reviews, and follow others to see what they’re enjoying.

    To get started:

    • Click on Log In / My Account in the upper right-hand corner
    • Enter your library card number and PIN
    • Follow the steps on the screens to register

    Sign in to your account by clicking Log In / My Account in the upper right corner of the website.

    If it's your first time logging in, you'll need to register your account and create a username.

    Click My Account Summary to see your checked out items, holds, reading history, etc.