How do I...?

Website Catalog Interface

Alexandria Library is offering a new catalog interface through the main website. It has a few new features that make searching easier.


  • Faceted searching utilizes check boxes to easily refine broad searches,
  • Lists are collapsed under one feature called "My Lists",
  • Full bibliographic record information for materials,
  • Visible item due dates,
  • Quick copy availability note in the results,
  • Easy to read titles and format icons,
  • Patron contact information visible in MY ACCOUNT,
  • E-mail lists and bibliographies,
  • Easy to locate and use Renew, Suspend, Cancel and Place Holds functions in MY ACCOUNT.


To access the new catalog interface simply log in at the top of the Alexandria Library homepage using your Patron ID and PIN (the last 4-digits of your registered telephone number).


*NOTE: The new catalog does not feature online payment through the "MY ACCOUNT" Tab. Patrons may pay fines and fees with credit cards online through the direct credit card payment link.

 

Classic Catalog

The Alexandria Library's "original" catalog will remain available! It has considerably more features and functions for searching and Patron Account Management than the web page portal.


  • Credit Card payment via the MY ACCOUNT tab,
  • Search by genre, language, category and format functions via Power Search,
  • Search the catalog by Browsing the thesaurus and by Call Number
  • E-mail notices of newly added collection titles through the MY FAVORITES feature,
  • Patron title suggestion via the "Recommend To Order" tab,
  • "Find It Fast" subject searches,
  • Easily identifiable serials, periodicals and magazines records,
  • Track "What Others Are Reading" weekly list based on popular checkout,


The "Classic Catalog" interface will be available on the the Library's public catalog computers in every Branch. Switch to "Classic Catalog" Interface.


(Why two library catalogs? The new catalog is a simplified searching interface used for its ability to help the Library expand and integrate services as technology changes with publishers, vendors and distributors. The original "active and real-time" catalog is a deeper and thorough resource tool for more detailed searching. Both catalogs will allow all of the Alexandria community to access and locate information based on level of detail and need. Grow with us as we work to bring you more!)