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Catalog Frequently Asked Questions

 
What is the Online Catalog?

The Online Catalog allows you to see and place holds on the books, DVDs, CD's, and other holdings of all 34 public and community college libraries in San Mateo County that belong to the Peninsula Library System consortium.

How do I search the Online Catalog?

Use the drop down menu to choose keyword (the default), author, title, series, tags, reviews, subject, or call number. Type your search term(s) into the second box. Use the Advanced Search to limit by type of materials, language, age group or branch location.

How do I get help searching the Online Catalog?

Please view our Online Catalog screencasts. For additional assistance, please contact your local library or use our eBranch Help form.

How do I find out which libraries have a copy of the item I want?
Search for the item you want by putting a title, keyword, or author name in the search box and clicking on ‘Search’. This will get you to a 'Search Results' page. From the 'Search Results' page, simply click on a title or cover art (if there is cover art) to go to the detail page for that item. Under the "Location" heading you will see a list of the libraries that have a copy of the item
 
Can I choose the order of my search results?
Yes, you can. The Advanced Search Sort By parameter offers multiple sorting options.
 
Can I save a list of books?

Yes, you can. Make sure you are signed into your eBranch account. Then you can add items to your bookbag from the Search Results and the Item Detail screen. You may save as many items as you like for as long as you like. When you are ready to place a hold on one or more items in your bookbag, select My Bookbag from the righthand menu, then select the items you wish to request and click the 'Request Items' button.

What does "Limit Search to Available Items" mean?

When you check on this box in the Advanced Search, the catalog will only display items that are actually in the library and on the shelf or waiting to be shelved. This will not limit the search to your particular branch unless you also limit to a specific location. Please note that doing both of these at the same time may limit the results that you will see.