USING THE ONLINE CATALOG 

Remote Access

Frequently Asked Questions

The Washington County Public Library System has replaced the traditional card catalog with a electronic version that can be viewed from anywhere in the world via the Internet.  The electronic catalog is "online", meaning that the availability of items listed in the library's catalog is constantly updated "online" as items are checked in and out.

How do I search HAL?

After getting to the WCPLS home page, select the type of search needed. Search choices are Author, Title, Subject and Keyword. The area for this section looks like this:

Search by:

A u t h o r

Click on this arrow to see other selections: Author, Title, Subject and Keyword.  The Washington County Public Library System's holdings will automatically be searched.

How do I search for a book when I don't know the author or title?

Choose "Subject" to search a Library of Congress Subject Heading or "Keyword" to search words in the title or content notes area. Click the mouse on the drop down arrow and then choose the desired search. Type the words you wish to look for. Click on the "Submit"  button.

How do I know if a book is available?

The Status column will say "Check Shelves" or "Recently Returned." A due date indicates that a book is currently checked out.

USING THE ONLINE CATALOG AT THE LIBRARY

How do I locate the item you want?

To search for an item while in one of our libraries: Go to an OPAC (Online Public Access Computer, look for signs on the computer) The first screen you see should look like this:

Welcome to the Online Public Access Catalog of the Holston Associated Libraries: Emory & Henry, King, Milligan, Virginia Intermont and Bluefield Colleges, Washington County (VA) Public Library and Tazewell County Library.

K> KEYWORDS in the title and content notes

A> AUTHOR

T> TITLE

Y> AUTHOR/TITLE

S> SUBJECT (Library of Congress)

N> CALL NUMBERS

P> REPEAT  Previous Search

X> Change Library Catalog

V> VIEW your circulation record

Choose one (K,A,T,Y,S,N,P,X,V)

How do I find a book if I know the...?

• Author: Type "A" to choose Author. Then type the author's last name then the First Name. Example: Smith, Lee

• Title: Type "T" to choose Title. Then type the title of the book.

How do I find a book if I don't know any titles or authors?

Use the "Keyword" or the "Subject" search options The keyword search allows users to search for one or more words in the title or other keyword-indexed fields. The "Subject" search finds words in the subject fields.

• Type "K" to choose Keyword or "S" to choose Subject search; then type the words to be searched

How do I know if a book is available?

The Status column will say "Check Shelves" or Recently Returned." A due date indicates that a book is currently checked out.

How do I search other HAL libraries?

At the main menu type the following:

• X Change Library Catalog

• Type 3 View All Locations

• Type the search again

This will display holdings at the other HAL libraries. By referring to the listing under the location, you can determine which libraries in the HAL system own the book.

Abbreviations found in the Location field will show the item location:

How do I get a book at one of the other HAL libraries?

If the item is not owned by the WCPL System, you may wish to travel to the holding library and check out the item , you must present your WCPLS library card, or an interlibrary loan request can be processed. If the book is available from the lending HAL library, the book will be sent to the Main Branch of the WCPL System for you to use.

OTHER FEATURES OF THE OPAC

Selecting "V" at the main screen will allow you to view what items you have checked out.

• Type "V" (VIEW) your circulation record

• Enter your name (last name then first name) and press enter.

• Enter your library card barcode number (without spaces) as described on the computer screen. This number is found on the back of your WCPLS library card and begins with 21991.

• Press "H" to see items currently held, or press "F" to see fines due.

• Press "Q" to Quit.

SELECTING "N"

Selecting "N" at the main screen will allow you to search for items that share the same general call number. For example, if you know that the call number 970 is given to items about the history of North America typing that number will display items in the collection on that subject.

Selecting "P" would allow you to repeat a search you have previously conducted at that same session.