Any request for verification (name/barcode/PIN) to perform a function within the catalog logs you into your account. This means that if you search the catalog before logging in and place requests for materials, you will only be prompted for verification once. From this point on, you are logged into your account. This is also true for another new catalog feature--patron ratings (see description below). There is one exception: verification requests to access remote databases (even those initiated from within the catalog) do not log you into your account.

NOTE: As with any logged-in session, it is extremely important that you log out when you finish. Otherwise others may gain access to your account.

Freeze Holds

Going on vacation? You can now freeze your outstanding requests so they won’t be filled when you’re unavailable to pick them up.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Log into your account and click on Requests (Holds).

2. At the far right of the resulting list is a column labeled FREEZE. Place a check in the box of each title you want to freeze and click on the UPDATE LIST button when finished.

3. The list will redisplay with the titles of frozen holds on a light blue background.

To unfreeze holds, remove the checks in the FREEZE column and click on UPDATE LIST. Your holds will return to their proper sequence in their respective queues.

NOTE: You will not be offered an option to freeze a hold if:

1. An item has already been placed in-transit to your designated pickup location.

2. The item is already on the hold shelf for you.

3. Your request has initiated a staff search for the item.

Here’s an example of two holds—one active and one frozen.

Image of Hold

Reading History

Want to look back on what you've read or checked out from the library? You can choose to track your circulation history for your personal use. By subscribing to "Reading History," you agree to allow the library's automated system to maintain a list of items you have previously checked out. Library staff do not have access to your reading history, but with the appropriate court order, it is possible for law enforcement officials to gain access to your reading history (under the U.S. Patriot Act) without your permission. If this is of concern to you, you should not subscribe to "Reading History."

To subscribe to Reading History:

1. Log into your account.

2. At the bottom of the page, click on Reading History.

3. Click on the SUBSCRIBE TO HISTORY button that will appear at the top of the page.

From this point forward, all items you check out will be recorded in your account and will display in the order of checkout. You may unsubscribe at any time or remove any or all titles from your reading history. To delete entries, mark the box beside each item and then select DELETE MARKED. To delete all entries, select DELETE ALL.

To unsubscribe, you will be required to delete all entries before selecting UNSUBSCRIBE TO HISTORY.

Patron Ratings

After reading a book, watching a DVD or listening to a CD, did you ever want to let others know how good it was? Now you can! Here's a copy of the page that describes how to do it.

Explanations of Ratings

Hint: If you also subscribe to Reading History, you can click on a title in your list of checked out titles which will take you directly to the entry in the catalog where you can assign a rating.

Expanded Search Limits

You can now select multiple values within the same drop-down menu to limit searches.

Here's how to do it:

Hold down the <Ctrl> key and use a <mouse click> to select the desired values. Click on the SUBMIT button at the bottom of the screen when all values are selected. Note: this functionality does not currently apply to keyword searches.

You can also reuse a search that has been limited by clicking on the LIMIT/SORT RESULTS button and selecting different limit values.

Change Your Home Library

You now have the option of changing your designated HOME LIBRARY. The HOME LIBRARY controls which library your holds are sent to. .

Here's how to do it:

1. Log into your account.

2. Scroll down to your account information and click on CHANGE YOUR INFO.

3. Select a HOME LIBR from the dropdown menu and click on SUBMIT.

Featured Lists of New Titles

New and expanded lists of new titles are being introduced. The link to the "Lists of New Titles" appears in the left-hand column of the catalog main menu screen. There are 17 entries--one for forthcoming fiction and the remaining 16 include a variety of categories of recently cataloged titles. These lists will be updated on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month giving ample opportunity to check out what's new before a new list is posted. Clicking on a list results in the same display format used for other search results. Placing requests on new titles is made easier by clicking on the REGULAR DISPLAY button on the request confirmation screen and then clicking the <PREV or NEXT> buttons to navigate to other titles in the list.