The new catalog for all MVLC libraries launched on Thursday, May 18. As with any major software migration, the first days and weeks are spent learning the new system and adding in customizations to make it easier to use. Overall, the catalog is much more pleasant to look and and use. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of it:

• When you’re searching for an item, you’ll get the best results with the broadest search.
  To find something, just type in the title, author, keyword, etc, into the search box and click the search button. This search is smarter than before, so the item you’re looking for should appear nearer the top of the list. If you’d like to refine further, use the limiters along the left side.
• Searches are first limited to the local library, but it’s easy to search all of MVLC.
  When you start at https://mvlc.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/chelmsford/ your search will look just in the Chelmsford catalog. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, there’s an easy link to click to search the entire MVLC catalog. And at any time, you can expand a search to all of MVLC using the “You are searching this library only. To search all MVLC libraries Click Here” link near the top of the search results. You can also move between searching just items at the Main Library and just items at the MacKay Branch by using the “Search the Chelmsford – MacKay Branch Catalog” link just under the search box. You can tell which catalog you’re in by the logo at the top of the screen.
• Where to find it?
  Find where an item is shelved by clicking the “Where to find it” link under each item. This will show the libraries that own it, the item’s call number, and whether it is checked out or on the shelf. If it’s checked out, it’ll also show the due date. And if you’re using the Chelmsford catalog, Chelmsford items will always be right at the top.
• Logging In
  During the migration, everyone’s PIN was reset to the last four digits of your telephone number. If you’re not able to log in, please call us at 978-256-5521 or stop by the library. Once you’re into your account, under the Personal Information tab, click the “Change Pin” bar to edit your PIN.
• Adjust your account preferences
  Also under the Personal Information tab are the Preferences and SMS Notification bars. Preferences let you choose your default set your pickup location and tailor your account to suit you best. SMS Notifications allows you to enter a cell number to get text notifications for holds, overdues, and other notices.
• Check on your checkouts and holds
  In your account, there will be a tab for Checkouts and one for Holds. Under the Checkouts tab, you’ll see everything out right now, along with the due date and the number of times the item has been renewed. If you’d like to renew it, check the box next to the item and then click the Renew button. The Holds tab lists everything you have on hold, and your position in line. Sometimes items will come in much earlier than expected based on where items get returned, so don’t let big numbers discourage you! You can also use the orange buttons along the top of the list to suspend holds and edit the pickup location.
• View your digital items right in the catalog!
  The new catalog has integrated many of our ebooks and other digital items. From both the Checkouts and Holds tab, you can click the “Digital Checkouts” or “Digital Holds” bar to track this activity.
• Customize you My Account screen
  After you log into My Account, there is a “Preferences” bar under Personal Information that lets you choose which tab is displayed when you log in, what each tab can open by default, your preferred pickup library, and more
• Watch for holds emails!
  Since we switched to new software, that means holds notification emails are being sent from a new email address. These messages should be coming from “MVLC-Notices <sirsi@merri.sirsi.net>” – if you’re not getting the messages, please check your junk or spam folders, and be sure to mark this address as an approved sender

Please let us know if you have any questions about using the new catalog, and especially if you have any trouble with it. We’re all still learning the ins-and-outs of the new software, and it’s great to get feedback!