dppl.org :: LIBRARY CATALOG INSTRUCTIONS

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Green Days of Summer Des Plaines Public Library with image of a green Earth with green leaves underneath like a flower

Using the Library Catalog

Using our Library Catalog

NEW Online Tutorials, One-Click Searches and Staff Picks book reviews.

Welcome to the Des Plaines Public Library's catalog! Use the library catalog to search for materials at DPPL and more than 20 local libraries. You can also place holds on items owned by the Des Plaines Public Library, check your library record, and renew materials. You can even access the library catalog at home through our Web site.

You do not need to set up an online account when you are ready to use the Catalog and its services - your account was already set up when you got your library card. You have a default password which is the word patron - you may change this password whenever you wish by visiting the "My Account" section of the Catalog.

You will find links to the catalog on every page of our Web site, most prominently in the left-hand column.

Searching the Catalog

When you search the Library Catalog, you should see the following:

Simple Search

1. Type your search term(s) into the empty box.

2. To search by title, author, subject, series, or periodical title, click on the "words or phrase" box, scroll down and click on your selection. Leaving the round button on "Keyword" may bring up a large group of unorganized results. You may find it helpful to choose a "Browse" search, to see an alphabetical listing of results, or an "Exact" search, if you think you'll get too many results. If you want to search in multiple fields (to search both author and title for example), choose words or phrase and separate your search terms with the word AND.

3. Click on . If you get a high number of titles, try using the limiting options in Power Search.

4. When you find your title, click on . At the bottom of the screen the location will be displayed as follows:

Des Plaines Public Library Copies Materials Location

158.1 DYE 1 Book 4^th Floor

Placing Holds

You may place a hold when a title is checked out. You may also use our Catalog to search 24 other area libraries. Your DPPL card is good at libraries all over the state of Illinois.
Placing holds in the library catalog is fast and simple.

1. To reserve an item, click on .

2. Type in your patron barcode, and your password. Your patron barcode is your library card number, and your password will be "patron", unless you change it.
After typing your information, click on .

3. To confirm your hold, click on .

You will receive a phone call when the item(s) is ready for pick-up. (It can take awhile for the requests to move through the system and items to be located, checked in, etc.) You can also register to be notified by email when your materials are available. From any page in the catalog click on My Account | Register for Email Notification. Then follow the instructions.

Your Account

To get information from the library catalog about your account, simply click on My Account. Choose from the following options:
Review My Account

User Password Change

Renew My Materials

Register for Email Notification

For your security, you will need to enter your patron barcode and password. Your patron barcode is your library card number, and your password will be "patron" unless you change it.

To see a list of items currently checked out to you, items you have on hold, and any fines due, click on Review My Account. Enter your patron barcode, and password. Then click on Display User Information.

To Renew Materials, click on Renew My Materials. Type in your patron barcode, and password. Then click on List Charged Items. Select items for renewal by clicking in the box next to the title. To complete the renewal process, click on Renew Selected Items.

To sign up for email notification when your materials on hold are available, click on Register for Email Notification. Type in your patron barcode, password, and email address. Read the paragraph and click on Submit to process your Email notification registration.

If you need any assistance or more information, ask a librarian! We're glad to help.

Try it out -- link to the catalog.

6/2010

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