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Using our Library Catalog
NEW Online Tutorials, One-Click Searches and Staff Picks book reviews.
Welcome to the Des
Plaines Public Library's Web-based catalog! You
can use the library catalog to search for materials at DPPL and more than 20 local libraries. You can also place holds on items, borrow them from other libraries, check your library record, and renew
materials. You can even access the library catalog at home
through our Web site.
You will find at least two links to the catalog on every page,
one in the left hand margin and the other in the footer at the
bottom of the page.
Searching the Catalog
When you use one of the catalog computers in the Library, you should see the
following search screen:
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 |
4th Floor |
Placing Holds
You may place a hold when a title is checked out. 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 can also register to be notified by email when your materials
are available. From any page in the catalog click on My Account
and on 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, or 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.
5/08
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