How can I search the Maplewood Library catalog?

• The catalog can be searched by author, title, subject, keyword, author/title combination, and call number.  Clicking on any of these options on the catalog main menu (catalog.maplewoodlibrary.org) will bring up a search screen containing examples and tips for searching.

• When searching for an author, enter the author's last name first.

• Keyword searching is a powerful way to search the library catalog. It permits you to search for words and phrases anywhere in the title, subject, notes, etc.  Help and examples are available when you click on "Simple Keyword Search" on the catalog main menu and scroll down the page. 

• "Advanced Search" allows you to search by keywords, and also limit your results by material type (dvd, cd, large print, etc), date, library location, and other criteria.

• You can also search the catalogs of other libraries by clicking on "Search Other Library Catalogs".

How can I view my Library Account on the internet?

• From our online catalog, catalog.maplewoodlibrary.org, click on My Account (in left hand column, under Catalog Options) or  from the library’s homepage, www.maplewoodlibrary.org, move your mouse to Library Catalog at the top left of the screen, then click on My Account on the drop-down menu.

• Type in your name, then click or tab to the next box to type your barcode (do NOT press Enter because it will tell the computer you are finished)

• Type in your barcode (without any spaces), then click or tab to the next box and type in your PIN (Personal Identification Number).  Your PIN is your password, and may be any alpha-numeric string up to 30 characters.

• If you get to a screen that asks you to enter a new PIN, just enter the same PIN you already typed, and then type it again to confirm it.

• Then click Submit.

• Now you are in your record where you can see what you have checked out, renew books, change your PIN, cancel holds, and view and email your favorite searches.  You can search the catalog while logged into your account, and you will not need to be re-verified when placing holds or using the research databases.

• Keep your information private.  Click on Log Out when you are done using your account.

What is my barcode?

• The barcode is the 14-digit number on the back of your library card and keytag.  Library staff scan it to check library materials out to you, and you can also use it to access your account online. When you type it in, don't use any spaces.

How do I get a PIN number?

• A personal identification number (PIN) or password is required to access your account online.  Its purpose is to maintain your security and privacy.

• You can establish a PIN the first time you access your account online.  

• Type your name and barcode number in the spaces provided, then enter your new PIN, which can be any alpha-numeric string up to 30 characters.  

• The system will then bring up another screen and prompt you to enter the new PIN and confirm it. 

• Be sure to choose a password that you will remember! 

I'm having trouble setting up my PIN.

Occasionally library users encounter technical difficulties when entering their PIN for the first time.  This is often the result of typographical errors.  If you receive error messages (e.g. "Sorry, cannot locate patron record" or other messages) try once more and type carefully.  If you still cannot access your account, wait 20 minutes and try again (the record may have "locked").  Or, call or e-mail the Library (973-762-1622 ext.2, or Reference@maplewoodlibrary.org ) and we will be happy to assist you.

How can I modify my PIN?

• Click on the Modify Your PIN button

• Type in your old PIN in the top box, labeled “PIN”

• Type in your new PIN in the second box, labeled “Enter Your PIN”

• Type your new PIN again in the third box, labeled “Enter Your PIN Again”

• Click on the Submit button

What if I forget my PIN?

Contact the library by phone, e-mail or in person. We can't tell you your PIN, because it is encrypted and totally private. But we will wipe out your old PIN, so you can create a new one.

How can I see what items I have checked out?

• In your patron record, click on Items Currently Checked Out.

• At the bottom of the screen you will see a display of all the items you currently have checked out

• The due dates are indicated in the Status column

• You can sort the display by the date the items are due, or by the date you checked them out.

How can I renew books online?

• In your patron record, click on Items Currently Checked Out.

• To renew all the books, click on the Renew All button

• To renew individual items, select the items you want to renew by clicking in the small white box in the left hand column, then click the Renew Selected Items button.

• The period of renewal will start from the date you request the renewal, not from the end of your original loan period.  So if you check items out today and renew them online tomorrow, you are only extending your loan period for one day.  To maximize the length of time you can keep your library books, renew them at a time close to the original due date.

Note:  You may still owe a fine if any items were overdue at the time of renewal.  The catalog may not alert you to this, but library staff will inform you of any amounts you owe next time you visit the library to check books in or out.

How can I reserve (place a hold on) a book?

• Go to the online catalog, catalog.maplewoodlibrary.org
• Search for the book you want, then select the blue REQUEST button at the top or bottom of the screen
• You will need to type in your Name, Barcode #, and PIN to request a book
• You will know that your request has been successfully entered when the message appears “Your request has been sent to the Library”  

Note:  Some types of library materials, such as videos and DVDs, may not be reserved.

How can I view, cancel, or freeze holds?

• If you currently have any holds, a  # Requests (holds) outstanding link appears in your patron record.

• Click on the link

• You can cancel any or all of those requests by selecting the title(s), clicking in the small white box in the left hand column, then selecting Cancel All or Cancel Selected Items.

• If you will be traveling, or just have too much to read, you can freeze your hold and let others go ahead of you, while still keeping your place "in the queue." Just check the box in the column that says "Freeze."  You can "unfreeze" the hold by un-checking whenever you are ready.  

• For multiple holds, use the Book Cart.

What is the Book Cart?

To request multiple items at one time, or to email search results, use the Library's Book Cart feature:

• When you search the catalog, you are generally presented with a screen that lists multiple books or other items.  At the left you will see a column or check box marked Save.  

• When you wish to save records, click the Save box for each record you want to save, then click the button to Save Marked Records.  (You can also click a button to Save All On Page, or Save to My Lists .)  

• Saving records causes the Book Cart button to appear at the top of the page.  

• Clicking the Book Cart button takes you to a screen where you can choose to email the records to yourself or others, save them to your Reading List, or request that the items be held for you.

What are Preferred Searches?

If you have a favorite author or subject for which you often search when using the library catalog, you can save the search with the click of a button.  This means you won't have to key the search each time, and lets you place reserves on new materials more quickly.  You can also receive email notifications when the library acquires new materials meeting your search qualifications.  Here's how:

• Login to My Account

• Click on the Search Catalog button.

• Search for your desired author, subject, title, etc.

• When results are displayed, click the gray Save as Preferred Search button.

• When you return to your record, click on the link to Preferred Searches.  You will see a list of your searches.  Clicking the Search link will execute the search.

• If you click Mark for Email, the system will send you an email next time the library acquires a new item meeting your search qualifications.  You can then reserve the item, or come to the library to find it.

What is My Reading History?

"What was that book I liked so much last fall?"  "Have I already seen this DVD?"  Now you can keep a list of the items you have borrowed from the Library in your Reading History.

As a rule, the Library does not keep a record of items you borrow once they are returned.  But now you can choose to retain your Reading History.

• When you log in to your library account, click the link for My Reading History.  Click Opt In to begin collecting your Reading History the next time you check out an item from the library.  Any items you check out from this point on will be available to you whenever you click the Reading History link.

• You can remove any or all titles at any time by checking the boxes next to the title and clicking Delete.  You may discontinue the reading history service at any time by clicking the Opt Out link.  When you opt out, your entire reading history will be erased, and cannot be recovered.

NOTE:  Maplewood Memorial Library is committed to preserving your privacy.  However, with the appropriate court order, it is possible that law enforcement officials could gain access to your reading history.  If this is of concern to you, you should not opt into the reading history feature.

What is my Reading List?

The Reading List function allows you to keep lists of library materials you may be interested in at a future time. Unlike your Reading History, which lists items you've checked out in the past, your Reading List is a reminder to you of items you may want to check out later. Whenever you see a "browse display" in the catalog, that is, a list of titles you've searched by author, title, keyword or subject, you have the option to mark the "save" box on the left hand side of the display. Above the display of items you will see an option to "Save to My Lists". When you choose this, the system will ask you to log into your account. You may set up multiple Reading Lists within your account. You can use these lists to request that items be reserved for you, or just as a reminder to yourself. The system also has the ability to check your Reading History to see if you've already read books on the list, and delete them if you like.

What is "More About This Book"?

Have you seen the "More About This Book" button when you view the record for a library item? If you click on it, it will bring up a separate window featuring information which may include a summary, table of contents, and/or book reviews. Since the "More About This Book" window is considered a "popup", your browser may block it. In this case, set your browser to allow popups from our website. Alternatively, hold down the "ctrl" button on your keyboard as you click on the "More About This Book" button. We think you will find the information interesting!

What is a "Login/User Name?

Many people find it annoying to have to type in their fourteen-digit barcode every time they log into their library account. Now there is an alternative: your Login or User Name. This can be any string of 6 to 25 characters that is easy for you to remember. To set up your User Name, log into your account using your name, barcode, and pin. Click on the button to "Modify Personal Info". Enter your chosen User Name into the blank (this is also an opportunity to update your phone number, email, and home library if you choose). You will receive a confirmation email, assuming that we have your email address. Once you have set up your User Name, you can use it whenever you log into your account. You will still have to type in your name and PIN as well, but from then on you will be able to skip the barcode.

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