A Guide to the MCMLS Online Catalog Presented by: Megan Robertson

Accessing the Online Catalog  Navigate to the library home page by typing into your browser's address bar.  On the left hand side, hover over the third button from the list. It is titled "Catalog". Then select the first option from the drop list. It will also be labeled "Catalog".  If you need additional help with the catalog, there is an FAQ page available if you select the second option from the drop down list.

Starting Your Search  The catalog home page defaults to the Title Search page. However, you may choose to search by author, subject, numerically, a combination, or go to previous searches (if you are logged in) by selecting these options at the top of the page.

A Title for the Title Search  There are several options to choose from when searching for a title. Most choose to use the default.

I Get Results, Man.  This search result will give back all formats of the title as well as other titles before and after it alphabetically.  It will show the results in lists of ten and will give the option to navigate to titles before and after.

Deciphering the Information  If you wish to see more information about the book or wish to reserve it, you must click the title of the book. This will take you to the item information. Here you will find publishing information, subjects, as well as the different locations that have the item. The copy/holding information shows which collection you will find the physical item in, the call number, it's status (checked in or out), as well as the option to request specific copies.

Closer to Home  If you want to search for books specifically in your branch, you must type your search into the keyword version. For example, if you want to search by it title, choose the title keyword(s) box. If you want to search subject, type your info into the subject keyword box. Then select to refine your search below. Under "Locations" you need to select your branch. In this case I would select Location: MCMLS R.B. Tullis Library (New Caney).

 If the title you have selected is not the one you wanted to look at or you would like to look at the search results, press your browser's back button. Most of the time it will go directly back to the search results. If it shows the page as expired, you can click the Refresh button and select Retry to bring the page back up. Take a Step Back

How Juvenile…  If you wish to search a subject and only want books for children, you can type the subject you are looking for followed by either juvenile fiction (for fiction) or juvenile literature (for non- fiction).

That Easy, Huh?  You will notice that the search results yielded other juvenile specific items. To the right of the subject heading it will give you the number of items that have that subject listing.

There’s so MANY…  Once you select the subject it will take you to the list of books. For this example there are 938 results. You can either scroll through all the results and look for the book icon to the left of the title to see which ones your branch owns or you can limit you collection.

That’s MUCH Better!  After limiting our collection to only books the Tullis Branch owns we now are left with 238 titles, still a large number but manageable. You can see which limits you have on your search on the left hand side. You may take that selection off by clicking the blue x next to it.

I’d Like to Request That  If you decide you would like to request the item once you have looked at its information you can do so two ways.  First, you can choose to request the first available item which is the preferable method. If an item is checked out or goes missing your request will not be fulfilled.  Second you can choose to specifically request a certain copy.

After I Click Request…  It will ask you to login if you have not done so already.  You will need to type in the barcode number without spaces.  Your pin number is the last four digits of your phone number associated with your library account.

Where’s My Place?  The next screen will show you your position in line to receive the item, and your preferred method of notification. Mail in this instance actually means e- mail.  You may choose to change which location you pick the item up at if you do not wish to pick it up at your preferred location.  You must select “request” to complete the request.

Confirmation  The next page will confirm your request. From there you may choose to return to your search or logout and return to the catalog.

 These are the basics for the Online catalog. There are more options for refining a search as well as methods of searching. Explore the catalog and try new buttons. You can always click the back button or call your local branch for assistance! Go Forth and Search