Massachusetts Virtual Catalog

Search Massachusetts Libraries Using the Virtual Catalog

When looking for a book, movie, CD, or other library item, the MVLC catalog is the first place you should check. But if you don't find it available there, you now have another option - search other libraries in Massachusetts (outside the MVLC) using the Virtual Catalog. Here's how:

If your search of the MVLC doesn't locate the item you seek...

1.	Click the "Virtual Catalog" link at the top right corner of the catalog to access the Virtual Catalog The MA Virtual Catalog includes all major public library systems, including Minuteman, NOBLE, Metro Boston, etc. It also includes Academic Libraries, such as the UMass system
2.	Choose your pickup location library from the dropdown box of MVLC libraries This will indicate where you would like to pickup and dropoff your requested item. Requested items should be dropped off at the same library they were picked up
3.	Enter your Library Card Number, and click the "Login" button to log into the Virtual Catalog This is the number listed below the barcode on the back of your library card Enter the entire number, with no spaces or punctuation
4.	Click one of the two links in the center of the page to either search for an item ("Searching/Requesting") or to "Review your Requests" Note that, since the Virtual Catalog is searching all Massachusetts libraries, it may be slow.
5.	Enter your search words and choose to search by Title, Author or ISBN. Matches will be listed in alphabetical order. Click the title of the item you would like to request to view its record. You will not be able to request an item that is available in the MVLC catalog Click the "Request" button to request the item
6.	Confirm your requested item. If you are permitted to request an item, a confirmation screen will appear. Check to make sure the system is displaying your correct name (choose "Yes" or "No") The "Need By" date is not when you need the item to arrive, but how long the system will continute to try to fill your request. If your need by date is 10/13, the system will keep checking libraries for an available item until Oct. 13th. The email address is necessary, as that is how the Virtual Catalog is designed to notify patrons their item is ready for pickup. If you do not have an email address, use the one provide below the email box, and the library will call you when your item is ready To submit the request, click the "Submit Request" button
7.	Click the "Quit" button along the left side of the page when you are finished searching. This will log you out of the Virtual Catalog. After you log out of the Virtual Catalog, you will be redirected back to your pickup location library's website
8.	Wait for your item to be delivered to your selected pickup location. You will be notified either by email or phone when your item is ready to be picked up. Requested materials take about 1-2 weeks to arrive, can be checked out for a total of 3 weeks, and cannot be renewed Items should be returned to the library where you picked them up