USING THE LIBRARY CATALOG 

In each of the Pasco County libraries, there are several computers reserved for public access to the library system's catalog of materials. Staff refers to these computers as Online Public Access Computers or OPACs.

These computers allow patrons to search for materials owned by all of the Pasco County libraries, determine where the items are located and if they are available.

Patrons holding a valid Pasco County or reciprocal library card may also request that items be sent to specific libraries within the system.

From home, patrons may access the same catalog and request materials simply by pointing their browsers to http://pascolibraries.org.

Using the Internet browser of your choice, go to the Pasco County Library System's web page, located at:

http://pascolibraries.org

The catalog interface is situated in the middle of your screen, near the top:

To search for an item, click on the drop-down menu to choose your search method before typing what you're looking for in the box. You can search by Keyword, Title, Author, Subject, Call Number or ISBN:

This is your results page. The word cloud on the left hand side of your screen gives you additional subjects and keywords to explore. On the right, you can also limit your search by location or material type. However, if you just want to request an item, simply click on the title:

The next screen shows at what branch the item is located, where it is located in the branch and if it is currently available. At this point, you can either get the item off the shelf, if it is available at your location, or request that it be held for you, if it is checked out or located at another branch. To place a hold on an item, simply click, "Place hold(s)" To see where it is located, scroll down to the bottom:

Enter your library card number and last name and click "Enter." The last name field is not case sensitive. If you want to place another request or look at your account after you place the current hold, you must check the box next to "Remember me for this session:"

Choose the branch where you would like to pick up your item and click "Place Hold:"

A screen will appear confirming your request has been placed successfully:

When your item arrives at your branch, you will receive an automated phone call, e-mail or mail notice. The item will be held for seven days so you can check it out before it is returned to the owning branch.

You may now return to your previous search by clicking "Return to result list" near the top left of the screen or you may begin a new search by using the search box at the top in middle of the screen.