To better illustrate how to use the Catalog, let's perform a search for items with the title The Sound of Music. As shown below, leave off any articles (a, an, the) found at the very beginning of the title.

After typing in title phrase, tap the enter key or click GO. A Search Results screen similar to the following will appear:

Click the desired title. In this example, we will choose (by clicking) the first item in the list. After doing so, a screen similar to the one below will appear. The first item is a sound recording and the second item is a videorecording.

To view the full record of any item, click the individual title or the wording Click here to view full record.

Viewing the full record allows you to see WHICH libraries own the item and if it is available for pickup. An item is available for immediate pickup if the status shows "Checked In" or "Shelving Cart" at your local library branch. Call 813-273-3652 and someone will pull the item for you. Please do phone first so we can ensure item is on the shelf as the computer shows it is.

If item is NOT owned by or checked in at your local branch, you can request a copy of the item be sent to your branch upon availability. This request process is called "Placing a Hold." If the item is checked in at another location, it takes approximately 3 working days for the transfer from one location to another to occur.

You may want to experiment with the Add to my list feature. Add to my list is similar to the shopping cart feature seen on many commercial Internet sites. You can create a list for emailing, printing, or for the purpose of easy ordering (still need to order items one at a time, but they are nicely included all on one page).