Frequently Asked Questions

Logging In

I already have a username I use to log into the classic catalog. Can use that username to log in to the new catalog?

Your old username will not work in the new catalog. You will need to set up a new username when logging in to the new catalog for the first time.

Why do I need a new username?

Your username will be used for some of the new catalog features, including lists and community features like ratings and reviews.

Can I still log in with my library card number and password?

Yes. Once your username is set up, you can continue to log in with your library card number if you prefer.

Why can’t children under the age of 13 enter a username?

In the United States, children under 13 are not allowed to enter free-text on websites without parental approval (per COPPA: the Child Online Privacy Protection Act). In the new catalog, youth accounts will instead choose their usernames from a list of color/animal/number options. Once a child turns 13, he or she will be able to select a username and have other free-text options available.

Will I still be able to log in to the old catalog?

Yes, you’ll still be able to access the old or “classic” catalog. Account information and activity (like checkouts and holds) will remain synched between both interfaces. Titles added to lists or shelves in the new catalog will not transfer back to the classic catalog.

My Account Features

Where do I go to see what I have checked out or on hold?

To view your account details:

1. Log in to your account.

2. Click your username in the upper right corner.

3. Under My Borrowing, select Checked Out or On Hold.

What is the difference between Shelves and Lists?

Shelves are designed to keep track of everything you’ve read, watched or listened to (Completed Shelf), are currently reading, watching or listening to (In Progress Shelf), or want to borrow in the future (For Later Shelf). Learn more about Shelves.

A list is a collection of titles related to a specific topic or idea of your choosing (example: “Favorite Storytime Books” or “10 Best Movies about Baseball”). Lists can be shared with other library users. Learn more about creating lists.

Can I import my existing lists from the classic catalog?

Yes, you can import your existing lists from the classic catalog. Titles will be added to your For Later Shelf:

1. Log into your account in the new catalog.

2. Click your username in the upper right corner.

3. Select the “For Later Shelf” from the upper right-hand menu.

4. Click the “Import List Items” option.

How can I edit my privacy and sharing settings?

The new catalog includes optional social features that let you rate, review, and share your favorite titles with other users. If you prefer, you can keep your activity completely private by following these steps:

• Log in to your account.

• Click your username in the upper right corner.

• Click My Settings from the drop-down menu.

• Under the Privacy section in the left-hand menu, select My Shelves or My Feed.

• For My Shelves privacy, check the box next to the shelves you want to keep private.

• For My Feed privacy, check the box next to “Mark your activity feed as private."

• Save changes.

Other account information—including checked-out items, hold details, and borrowing history—will always remain private.

Will I be able to see my reading history in the new catalog?

Yes, you can enable your reading history in the new catalog. To opt in:

1. Log in to your account.

2. Click your username in the upper right corner.

3. Click My Settings from the drop-down menu.

4. On the My Settings page, under Account Preferences, find the Borrowing History setting.

5. Click Change.

6. On the Borrowing History page, click the toggle to turn borrowing history on or off.

7. Click Save Changes.

Searching and Holds

How do I search materials from all CCS member libraries?

After launching a search, switch the Borrow From facet from your library to the Partner Libraries option. This will display search results from all CCS member libraries.

How do I set a preferred pickup location for holds?

To set or change your preferred pickup location:

1. Log in to your account.

2. Click your username in the upper right corner.

3. Click My Settings from the drop-down menu.

4. On the My Settings page, find the Holds and Pickup Location setting.

5. Click Change.

6. Select your preferred pickup location from the list. You can select up to three locations.

For more help, view the BiblioCommons help files.