Clip and save: your key to the library's online services

By York Public Library Assistant Director Sudie Blanchard

YORK VILLAGE - This week, the York Public Library offers readers of The Independent a handy clip-out instruction sheet to help them learn how to use the library's online services.

First, you will need to know your full 14-digit library card number. You'll find it on the back of your new library card or on the keytag under the barcode. If you haven't picked up your new card yet, be sure to come in soon to do so.

Once you have located that card number, head out to our web site at www.york.lib.me.us and click on the link to The Library Catalog.

ONLINE REQUESTING
  1. Search our online catalog and find the item you want. Be sure to click on links until you get to the level where you can see a box that shows the item's location and availability.
  2. Click on the button with a checkmark on it that says "Request" near the top of the screen.
  3. Type your name and whole library card number in the boxes
  4. Click the "Submit" button.
  5. The next screen should confirm that you placed the hold properly. We'll give you a call when the item arrives.
If, when you search our catalog, you see the message "No matches found," that means we don't own the item. Repeat the search, including other Minerva libraries: Click on the little arrow to the right of the box that says York Public Library. Scroll up to the very top of the list and choose All Minerva Libraries. Then click the Search button to the right of the box. Now you will see the holdings of the more than 80 Minerva libraries. Follow the directions for regular requests listed above, beginning at 1. Most Minerva libraries loan CDs, DVDs, videos and audiobooks, in addition to print materials.

If the book you are looking for is not available in a Minerva library, all is not lost. Continue your search in MaineCat to expand your search to include the two largest public libraries in the state as well as the University of Maine system and other colleges. While you won't be able to borrow the newest materials and audio visual materials from these non-Minerva libraries, you'll be amazed to see what's available. Be sure to take a look at the instructions that we've posted on our web site to learn how to go beyond Minerva: http://www.york.lib.me.us/reserves.html

RENEWALS

To renew or check your own library card to see when items are due, head out to the library's web site.
  1. Click on the link that says "Check your own library card & RENEW materials"
  2. Type in your name and your library card number in the appropriate boxes.
  3. When your record comes up, click on the link that indicates the item checked out on your account.
  4. Click in the boxes to the left of the items you wish to renew and click on the white "Renew selected Items" button. Look for "Renewed" and the new due date in the "status" column. If you see a message in red, the renewal didn't "take" for a number of reasons.
Have more questions? We'll do our best to answer them. Visit us when we are open, call us at 363-2818 or email us at ypl@york.lib.me.us

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