Using the Library Catalog

How do I search the library catalog?

On the Library home page, scroll down and click on the link marked “Search Library Catalog." Enter a title, author or subject in the search box. This will give you the largest number of results, but not all of them will be relevant. For more relevant results, click on “Advanced Search” to the right of the search box. From the drop down menu in advanced search, click on title, author or subject and type the appropriate term in the box. From the results page, click on a title for more information about a specific item and to see which library owns a copy of that title and whether the item is available. From there you can place a hold or add it to your reading list. To learn more about using the catalog, visit the catalog help page.

How do I look for DVDs, CDs and Audiobooks?

Follow the directions for searching the library catalog and enter a title, actor/artist, and musical/film genre. After the results page is generated you can filter your search by Format (CD, DVD, Audiobook, etc.). You can also filter by Music or Media Characteristics, Publication Year, Collection (juvenile, young adult, adult), etc., as well as Owning Library Location. To learn more about using the catalog, visit the catalog help page.

How do I place a hold on an item that is unavailable?

You must have a valid Butler County Library Card. Call us at 724-776-9100 ext. 1123 and request the item over the phone. You can also do it online by visiting My Account. You will need your library card number and an established PIN number.

To place an item on hold online:
1. Locate the item you are seeking in the catalog.
2. Click the place hold button.
3. This will prompt you to log-in with your library card number and PIN number.
4. From the drop down menu, select the library where you want to pick up the item.
5. Click submit.
6. A green bar at the top of the page will alert you that your hold was placed successfully.
We will contact you when the item is ready for you to pick up at the library you designated. * Please note: Only 10 items per card may be placed on hold at one time.

How do I get a PIN?  

For security reasons, you need to establish or reset a PIN in person at the circulation desk. Please be sure to have your library card with you.