Using the Catalog


Searching the Catalog

Click  Catalog, or use the search box at the top of each webpage

  • Title Search: enter full title or first few words
  • Author Search: enter author’s last name first
  • Subject Search: an easy way to search your subject
  • Keyword Search: searches for words and phrases in the title, subject information and related notes.
  • Advanced Search: search by keywords, limit by material type (dvd, cd, large print, etc.), library branch, or other criteria
  • Search Other Library Catalogs using the link from the catalog page

Searches can be limited or sorted using the Limit/Sort button at the top of the page.


Managing Your Account

  • Click My Account from the top menu
  • The computer will show your checked out items and due dates.
  • You can also renew items, modify your personal information, save your Reading History (link to Reading History), Reading Lists (link to Reading List)and Preferred Searches (link to Preferred Searches), and rate items you have borrowed.


Barcode and PIN

  • Your barcode is the 14-digit number on the back of your library card and key tag.  When you type it in, don’t use any spaces.
  • Your personal identification number (PIN) is the password that protects your security and privacy. You can establish your 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 then asks you to confirm the PIN.  Be sure to choose a password you will remember!
  • To change your PIN, log into your account and click the Modify Your PIN button.
  • If you forget your PIN, contact the library.

NOTE: Occasionally library users experience technical difficulties when entering their PIN for the first time.  This is often the result of typographical errors.  If you get an error message, 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 email the library (973-762-1622 ext 2 or reference@maplewoodlibrary.org) and we will be happy to assist you.


Login/User Name

Too much bother to type in your barcode every time you access your account?  Set up a User Name.

  • While logged into your account, click “Modify Personal Info”.
  • Type in the user name of your choice—you can update your other information at the same time, if you choose.
  • If we have your email address, you will receive a confirmation email.
  • Next time you log in, you won’t need your barcode, but you will still need to enter your name and PIN along with the user name.


Renewing Items

  • While logged into your account, select the desired items and click Renew.
  • The new due date will be based on the date you renewed the item, not the original due date.
  • If any renewed items are overdue, you will owe the accumulated fines.
  • Items on hold and music CDs cannot be renewed.


Reserving a Book

  • Search in the catalog for the book you want. (CDs and Videos/DVDs may not be put on hold.)
  • Click the Request button on the bottom or top of the page
  • Fill in your information then click Submit. If your request has been successfully submitted you will see the message “Your request has been sent to the library.” You can view, cancel or freeze your holds when viewing your account.

Using the Book Cart

  • Save any item you want in the book cart by clicking the Save button next to the item description.
  • Access your cart by clicking the Book Cart button
  • Email the list to yourself or someone else or
  • Request the items by filling in the required information
  • Or save the items to a [“reading list” anchor/bookmark] Reading List—this can be any list of library books or materials you want to keep for future reference


Preferred Searches

  • This option lets you save searches for your favorite authors or subjects.
  • While logged into your account, perform the desired search. When the results are displayed, click the Save as Preferred Search button.
  • Back in your patron record, click on the link to Preferred Searches. Select Mark for E-Mail if you would like an email sent to you whenever the library gets a new item matching your search.


Reading History

The library doesn’t keep a record of items you borrow once they are returned, but you can opt in to this feature to begin keeping your history in your account. You can delete any or all items, or opt out at any time.  Note: Maplewood Memorial Library is committed to preserving your privacy. However, with the appropriate court order, law enforcement officials could gain access to your reading history. If this is of concern to you, do not opt into this feature.


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 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.

More About This Book

  • Click the More About This Book button to get reviews, summaries, and tables of contents.
  • The information is contained in a pop-up window, so if the information does not appear, set your browser to allow pop-ups from our website, or hold down the “ctrl” key while clicking the “More About This Book” button.