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Using the New Library Catalog

FAQ's

Basic Searching | Your Account | Holds | email Notification | Pay Fines | Mobile Catalog | General

General FAQ's

Thanks for your patience as we continue to adjust and refine the new catalog software.  KCLS is committed to providing you with up-to-date information on outstanding issues, pending improvements, tips and links to help. To sign up for email updates as they occur, click here.

I know you're working on the issues with the new catalog, but why is it taking so long?
The volume and scope of KCL's catalog use by patrons creates unique demands on the software that other Library Systems don't have. Resolving these issues and developing features for KCLS specifications takes time. Many bugs have already been fixed, continue to be fixed daily, and further enhancements are part of the long-term system development.

Why can't you bring back the old catalog until this one is working?
Due to the complexities described above, KCLS cannot run two systems concurrently. It was necessary to retire the old catalog when the new system was launched.

Why did KCLS change catalog systems? What was wrong with the old one?
KCLS previously used proprietary software that was designed for academic libraries. As one of the busiest public library systems in the country, the product was not flexible enough to incorporate features requested by our patrons nor was it keeping pace with growing demands. We have already created applications that fixed many of the behind-the-scenes issues we had with the previous system.

Why did you spend money on a new catalog during these tough economic times?
The ability to expand and update the catalog to meet patrons' needs for many years to come is critical. The new open source software allows us to do that at significantly lower costs than the previous system. It eliminates the costs of yearly software license renewals and also substantially reduces the costs for Self-Check Out and Check-in stations in community libraries across the System. KCLS anticipates additional cost-savings over time

Do you have the staff resources to manage this?
In addition to a dedicated IT staff, KCLS is partnered with a consortium of Library Systems across the country to develop open source software for libraries. We have also contracted with outside vendors that are assisting with code development.

Contact Us
For technical support, such as connecting to the catalog or logging in to your account, or to report a bug, contact the KCLS Webmaster.

For assistance with missing holds, overdue materials or fines, you may contact staff at your local library branch or call:
Answer Line at 425.462.9600 or 1-800-462-9600 from area codes 206, 425, 253 or 360.

(Monday - Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm)

To provide feedback to KCLS Administration, email a Comment Card.

Basic Searching

How do I search the catalog?
You can select to search by keyword, title, author, subject or series. 
For more detailed search instruction please see Finding, Holding and Renewing Materials found in the Using the Library Catalog help section.

How do I know if an item is available?
Click on the title of the item you are interested in. In the items status, the term "Available" indicates that the item should be checked in at the library shown. If you cannot find an item, please ask library staff for assistance. 

How do you search for Songs?
You can search for songs using Keyword Search.

Is the Table of Contents searchable?
If the Table of Contents is in our MARC record it is searchable. If it comes from the Content Cafe (The Table of Contents from the tabs) it is not Searchable. Table of Contents/Songs/Fiction Attributes are all searchable from keyword search if data is available in the MARC. You can use the expert MARC search if you want to just search the Table of Contents.

Your Account

How do I view My Account?
Click on the blue "Your Account Log In" button located in the upper right side of the main catalog web page.  Type your Library Card number with no spaces, followed by your PIN. Please log out of your account when finished.

What is my PIN and why do I need it?
Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) allows you to access library account information through the library catalog.

What can I do with My Account?
Renew items, place holds, change PIN, change personal info, create username, create lists, and more. 

How do I view what items I still have out?
After signing into Your Account, click the “Items Checked Out” tab to see a list of items currently checked out.

How do I renew my items?
After signing into your library account, click the “Items Checked Out” tab to see a list of items currently checked out.  Place a check mark in the box beside the items you wish to renew, then click on renew selected titles.  If the items can be renewed, the new due date for the items should now be reflected.

I tried to renew an item - but it did not work - what happened?
This may occur for a variety of reasons, some possiblities are: there are holds on the item, the item has already been renewed too many times, or overdue fines exceed $10.00.

What is my Checkout History?
This feature keeps a list of materials that have been checked out. You must "Opt In" to activate this feature. The system defaults to the "Opt Out" setting. In the "Opt Out" state no history of any kind is kept in order to protect your privacy. 

Where are "My Favorite Searches"?
Unfortunelty, Favorite Seraches did not transfer over but  in the  future we hope the new system will provide “My Favorite Searches” function to create new searches.  Currenlty you can go to your local library and have them print out your "My Favorite Searches" from the old catalog.

Holds

How do I place a hold?
Once you locate an item you want to hold, click on the "Place Hold" button. If you are not logged in you will be prompted to enter your library card number (with no spaces) and PIN.

How do I view my holds?
After signing into your library account, click the “Holds” tab to see a list of items currently have holds on.

What happened to Freezing a Hold?
Freezing a Hold is still possible, it is now called Suspended.

Is the "ADD TO MY LIST" icon similar to the "ADD TO BOOK BAG" option in OPAC now?
Yes, you may use the "ADD TO MY LIST" button to create a list in which all items may be placed on hold at one time.

How do I suspend a hold?
After signing into you library account, click the “Holds” tab to see a list of items you currently have on hold. Place a check mark in the box beside the items you wish to suspend.   Select “Suspend” from the “Actions” drop down box and click “Save”.

How do I cancel a hold?
After signing into your library account, click the “Holds” tab to see a list of items that are currently on hold. Place a check mark in the box beside the items you wish to cancel.   Select “Cancel” from the “Actions” drop down box and click “Save”.

Why can’t I place holds on magazines?
This is temporary. We are working on making it possible for patrons to place holds on specific items – like specific magazine issues.  We know it is important and will make it available as soon as possible. Staff members may currently place Magazine Holds for patrons.

Email Notification

Why are my email notices not getting through?
Your spam filter may be blocking our messages. Additionally, sometimes an email message is perceived as unsolicited mail by an e-mail provider and is directed into a bulk mail folder or a junk mail folder. Check your bulk mail folder or a junk mail folder these folders if you feel a notice should have been received and was not. Please add the following address to your email address book so the library notices are not blocked or perceived as unsolicited: noreply@kcls.org.

**Important**
What address should I add to my contact list?
Please be sure to add noreply@kcls.org to your email address book so the library notices are not blocked or perceived as unsolicited. noreply@kcls.org is the new email address that is sending the pickup and first overdue notices.

What if I tried all that- and I am still not getting my notices?
Try Library Elf!! Itis an excellent and reliable notification service that is paid for by KCLS for all account holders in the system. 

What is Library Elf?
Library Elf makes it easy to keep track of what's due, overdue or ready for pickup from one or more library accounts. Library Elf is like a personal assistant designed with the busy or avid library user in mind. It is also ideal for families with multiple library cards or individuals who have cards from different library systems because you can consolidate multiple cards into one Library Elf account.

Paying Fines Online

Now Available

MobileCatalog

What is the Mobile Catalog?
It is a fast and simple way to access the account and search for items. This option works very well for slow connection speeds or when one encounters issues with logging on to the account area. It is accessible for use with portable devices and from a regular computer.

Where is the Text Catalog?
The Text Catalog is now called the Mobile Catalog.

Can I access the library catalog from my mobile device?
Yes! The new catalog provides a catalog for PDA users- just point your browser to http://catalog.kcls.org/opac/extras/mobile/.

KCLS to Go:
New App for Handheld Devices-Find out More!

 

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Last Updated: January 30, 2012