Virtual Catalog Frequently Asked Questions
The Virtual Catalogs provide a searchable catalog of books owned by participating libraries. UMass Boston students, and staff may search and place direct requests to borrow books for expedited delivery to the Healey Library.
There are two Virtual Catalog Options: the BLC Virtual Catalog and the Massachusetts Virtual Catalog.
- Which Virtual Catalog should I use and why are there two Virtual Catalogs?
- Who may use the Virtual Catalog?
- My barcode doesn't work, what do I do?
- What is the best way to search the Virtual Catalogs?
- What material may be borrowed through the Virtual Catalog?
- How soon will my material arrive?
- How will I know when my request comes in?
- What are the loan policies?
- How do I renew my virtual catlog book?
- Can I order my textbooks from the Virtual Catalog?
- How can I keep track of my requests and when they are coming in?
Answers:
Which Virtual Catalog should I use and why are there two Virtual Catalogs?
UMass Boston patrons have two Virtual Catalog options. The BLC Virtual Catalog includes most of the academic libraries that are members of the Boston Library Consortium (BLC). The Massachusetts Virtual Catalog includes public and some academic libraries in Massachusetts.
Popular fiction and media materials are often more available in the public libraries, and more academic materials will show up in the college libraries of the BLC virtual catalog.
Why isn't there one big virtual calalog that contains both sets of libraries? Its Massachusetts and the reason is politics --different sources of funding for the different catalogs.
Who may use the Virtual Catalogs?
Anyone may search the catalog by typing 'guest' in the "barcode" field. However, to place a request you must be a current student or staff member at UMass Boston and have a current Healey LIbrary barcode. If you need a Healey Library barcode. please visit the Circulation Department at the entrance to Heaely Libary or contact that department at library.circulation@umb.edu or 617-287-5900.
My barcode doesn't work, what do I do?
If you have any overdue materials or outstanding fines and fees, you will not be able to log on to the Virtual Catalog. You must return or renew these items and clear your record to be able to login. To view your circulation record, log into your account on the Healey Library Catalog. To clear up any misunderstandings regarding the accuracy of your account contact the circulation department at library.circulation@umb.edu or 617-287-5900
If you do not have any overdue materials or fines owing, and still have problems accessing the Virtual Catalog, please contact the Healey Library Circulation Desk at 617-287-5900 and describe your problem.
What is the best way to search the Virtual Catalogs?
It is best to search the Virtual Catalogs for a specific book when you know the title or author. Its subject searching is very primitive and very, very slow and is not as useful as searching a database such as Worldcat. See our Virtual Catalog Tutorial for instructions.
What material may be borrowed through the Virtual Catalogs?
Each participating library determines which items in its collections they will lend, including books and media materials. Generally, you will not be able to request items that are Library-Use-Only (such as reference books) or items that are on reserve for a course. If the item you want cannot be borrowed through the Virtual Catalog, you may try requesting it through InterLibrary Loan.
How soon will my material arrive?
Material requested from the BLC Virtual Catalog usually arrives in 3-5 business days. Materials requested from The Mass Virtual Catalog usually arrives in 5-10 business days. These delivery times, however, cannot be guaranteed.
How will I know when my request comes in?
You will receive an email notice when the material is ready for pick up at the Healey Library Circulation Desk (2nd Floor). Materials must be returned to the Circulation Desk.
Loan period: 28 days
Renewals: Sorry, not permitted
Limits: 25 items
Fines: $0.25 per day for all users
How do I renew my virtual catalog book?
We regret to inform you that the Virtual catalog programs do not allow you to renew your VC items. The loan period is 4 weeks with no renewals. If you need a book longer you may be able to place a request for the title again after you have returned it, or you may choose to place your next request for the title through InterLibrary Loan.
Can I order my textbooks from the Virtual Catalogs?
You can certainly try, however it is difficult to get current textbooks from the Virtual Catalog. Most academic institutions will not lend recent edition of textbooks. These items are often placed on reserve at their home institutions, and requests from the Virtual Catalog are refused. Even if you are able to get a textbook from the Virtual Catalog, you are not allowed to renew these items.
How can keep track of my requests and when they are coming in?
Log into the virtual catalog you used (BLC or Mass) and instead of clicking on the button to "search & request" --Click on the button to Review your requests.
This button will bring up items that are active in your Virtual catalog account and will indicate what status they currently hold. Pending; Shipped; Recieved; Returned etc.
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