Public Access Catalog (PAC) Help

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	Search		Using My Account
	Renew		Request Item (Place Hold)
	Library Catalog		My Account

Searching the Library's Public Access Catalog (PAC)

You do not need a password to search the Library's Public Access Catalog (PAC) -- simply click on the appropriate Library Catalog link to enter the catalog.

To perform a general search of the catalog, type anything in the search query box on the Search Selection page (library catalog home page) and click Search. The results returned are based on searching the author, title, subject, and notes categories in the catalog. Or use one of search options (see below) to refine your search to retrieve more precise results.

Click on the Search button (search only author, title, subjects OR notes);

Click on the TABS to narrow your search. You will see TABS for Keyword Search, Browse, Advanced, and New Items.

Click on the Help button for additional information on using our Public Access Catalog (PAC).

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Using My Account

To use this feature, you will need a PIN number and Alternate ID Number. Please contact the library if you do not already have these set-up.

The My Account feature lets you examine the information in your patron file on the library automation system, renew items, and determine the position of on-hold items on the Holds list. This password protected file includes notification/billing information and the status of holds, fines, checkouts, etc., for your account.

To view your account information, click the My Account button on the Public Access Catalog (PAC) home page or a My Account link from our Web site to reach the request form.

Enter Patron (library card barcode number) or Alternate ID Number, press Tab, enter the PIN, and select the Submit Request button. The Patron Information window will appear. If you have items checked out or on hold, they will be listed. You may renew items from this window by checking the appropriate boxes and clicking the Renew Checked Items button. (If you do not have an Alternate ID Number and PIN information, check with the Circulation Desk to have these set-up.)

NOTE: To ensure security of patron information, the My Account window is no longer accessible after any PAC toolbar or when the browser Back button is clicked. The patron must login again to access the My Account window.

Please click on the Online Help button on the home page of the Public Access Catalog for additional information on using our Public Access Catalog (PAC).

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Renew an item in the Public Access Catalog (PAC)

To use this feature, you will need a PIN number and Alternate ID Number. Please contact the library if you do not already have these set-up.

Click the My Account button on the Public Access Catalog (PAC) home page to reach the request form.

Enter Patron (library card barcode number) or Alternate ID Number, press Tab, enter the PIN, and select the Submit Request button. The Patron Information window will appear. If you have items checked out or on hold, they will be listed. You may renew items from this window by checking the appropriate boxes and clicking the Renew Checked Items button. (If you do not have an Alternate ID Number and PIN, check with the Circulation Desk to have these set-up.)

NOTE: To ensure security of patron information, the My Account window is no longer accessible after any PAC toolbar or the browser Back button is clicked. The patron must login again to access the My Account window.

Please click on the Online Help button on the home page of the Public Access Catalog for additional information on using our Public Access Catalog (PAC).

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Request (Place a Hold) on an item in the Public Access Catalog (PAC)

To use this feature, you will need a PIN number and Alternate ID Number. Please contact the library if you do not already have these set-up.

Patrons can place hold requests for most titles. A patron who wishes to place holds must be a registered library patron and must know the assigned Patron ID (library card barcode number) or Alternate ID number and PIN.

To place a hold search for the title of interest. When the title is displayed select the Hold Request button.

If items of the title are available, the locations will be shown under the author and title display. Patrons can place requests even if items are currently available.

Enter the Patron ID (library card barcode number) or Alternate ID number, press Tab, and enter the PIN. Press Tab again and Enter, or simply select the Submit Request button.

If the Patron ID, Alternate ID or PIN are not correct, a message similar to this will be displayed: Your hold request failed for the following reason(s): The Patron ID number or PIN is not valid. If you are not eligible to check out an item of this type, according to the checkout rules established by the library in the Circulation module, a different message will be displayed. For more information, check with the library Circulation staff.

A dialog box displays a message advising whether the hold is approved or denied. If approved, a message box displays, 'Your home library will notify you when the item is ready for pickup.' along with the expiration date for the hold.

When the requested item is available, library staff will contact the patron.

Please click on the Online Help button on the home page of the Public Access Catalog for additional information on using our Public Access Catalog (PAC).

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