LIBRARY BLOG
The public access catalog allows patrons to browse the library collection digitally. By narrowing the search throughh filters, the catalog can return items that are closer to the desired result. To access the catalog, go to mytpl.org and type the search term into the search bar on the home page. The catalog will bring up any item in the collection that has the search term in any field, such as title or author name.
How to Narrow Search
The panel on the left shows the filters than can narrow down how many items come up in the search list.
The most common filter to apply is the location filter. The default setting is for the catalog to bring up items for all locations, which might not help someone looking for an item at a specific branch. Changing the location filter lets the patron select which branches the catalog will search for the item.
Other filters to add will narrow down the search by item type, collection, author, series, etc. The ‘x’ by the fields will remove the filter and show all items in that category. If the location filter is removed or changed, the rest of the filters will reset.
Placing an Item on Hold
After clicking on the listing for the item, the “all copies” tab under the item photo will let the patron know how many copies of the item exist and what locations have the item. Clicking the orange button with “place hold” will prompt the input of the library card number and pin.
This information can be found by calling the library. Once logged in, the system will ask which branch to send the item to and if the first available or a specific copy will be put on hold.
AR Reading Level
The catalog supplies the Accelerated Reader level for books in the children’s and teen’s collection. Right by the search bar, the reading level search page comes up. This is where you can search only AR accepted books by the title, author, subject, or AR reading level. To find the Quiz number and more information on an AR book, the book can be searched on the Accelerated Reader Bookfinder website.
Can’t Find an Item?
If an item cannot be located in the catalog, then the Interlibrary Loan form can be used to search for items at a partner library system. More information on this topic will be available in the Interlibrary Loan blog. The InterlIbrary Loan form can he found here.
– Jessica, Reference Department