Searching

Searching for Items

1. On the catalog's main page, locate the search text field.
2. Type in a keyword, author, title, or other search term.
3. Click the "Search" button.

Viewing Search Results

1. Results will show each title with all available formats grouped together.
2. Check the status: "On Shelf" means it's available now.
3. Click "Where is it?" to see specific location information.
4. Use format filters on the left to filter results by format.
5. Use "Available Now At" to filter by branch or eResource app.
6. Use left-hand side filters to narrow results further.

Checkouts

Viewing and Managing Checked Out Titles

1. Sign into your account.
2. Click "Checked Out Titles" from the account menu under the "Your Account" on the left-hand menu..
3. View your checkouts, including due dates and item information.
4. To renew eligible items, click the "Renew" button next to the title.
5. Use checkboxes to select multiple items for renewal.
6. Click "You Might Also Like" for recommendations.
7. Use the "Sort By" dropdown to change the order of displayed items.
8. Click "Export to CSV" to download your checkout list and open in Microsoft Excel.

Holds

Placing a Hold

1. Sign into your account.
2. When you find the item you'd like to checkout, locate the "Place Hold" button next to the format you prefer.
3. Review the hold information at the top, which shows how long you'll have to pick up your hold once it's available.
4. Check the pickup location. It will default to your home library unless you've specified otherwise.
5. (Optional) Select a different pickup location if desired.
6. (Optional) Click "Always use this pickup location" to set it as your preferred pickup location for future holds.
7. (Optional) Click "log me out after requesting the item" if you're using a public computer.
8. If everything looks correct, click "Submit Hold Request".
9. You'll see a success message along with some recommended titles that are currently available for checkout.
10. For eContent that's currently available, you may have the option to check it out immediately instead of placing a hold.

Viewing and Managing Holds

1. Sign into your account.
2. Click "Titles on Hold" located at the top right-hand corner of the screen.
3. VHolds that are now ready for pickup will be at the top of the screen under "Holds Ready for Pickup."
4. Scroll down to see "Pending Holds" still in progress.
5. To pause a hold, click "Freeze Hold."
6. To unpause a hold, click "Thaw Hold."
7. To cancel a hold, click "Cancel Hold."
8. To change pickup location (if not filled), click "Change Pickup Location."
9. For eContent, click "Preview From the Book" to see a sample.
10. Click "While you Wait" for similar title recommendations.

Lists

Creating Lists

1. Sign into your account.
2. Click "Your Lists" from the account menu.
3. Click "Create a New List".
4. Type in a name for your list in the "List" field.
5. (Optional)Type in a description for your list in the "Description" field.
6. (Optional)Click the "Private" toggle button to share your list with others. If left alone, the list can not be shared. This setting can be changed later.
7. Use the keyword search to find the item you want. When you find the desired item, locate the "Add to List" button next to the "Share" links.

Mobile App

Discover Gail Borden Public Library in your pocket! The mobile app lets you browse and borrow with ease. Search the catalog, including digital content, to find your next great read or favorite movie. Place holds, check due dates, and renew items with just a few taps.

Getting Started

1. Download the mobile app for iOS & Android:
   

   
2. Log in with your library card number and PIN.
   

Mobile App Screens

Users of the mobile app will interact with five main screens: Discover, Card, Scan & Go, Account, and More. Select the expandable boxes below to learn about the features of each screen.

Discover

• Search with a keyword or use your phone camera to scan an item barcode and search.
• View curated library collections.
• Manage the collections you see on your Discover screen.
• Navigate to other areas of the app using the bottom menu.

Search & Filter

• After searching for an item, on the search results screen, tap the "Filters", "Sort By", or "Search Within" buttons to narrow your search.
• Add items to a list.
• Tap on the record for more details and to place a hold.
• Add title to a list.
• Apply any filters to narrow your search.

Card

• Tap on "Card" to view your scannable library barcode.
• A scannable library card will display, showing the library card number and expiration date (your device's display brightness will automatically adjust so the barcode scanner can read it).

Linked Accounts

• Tap "Open Barcode" for a scannable barcode popup.
• Swipe through any accounts you may have connected via Linked Accounts.

Scan & Go

• Tap "Scan & Go" along the bottom of the app to check out items from the library.
• Tap "Add a new item" and use scanner to scan the library barcode of the item.
• Continue adding items. Checked out items in this session will display on a list.
• Tap "Finish" when you are done checking out.
• Either Start a New Session or tap View Checkouts to see all checked out titles.

Account

• Tap on "Account" along the bottom of the app to pop out the "Account" drawer.
• View and manage: Lists, Saved Searches, Reading History.
• View and pay outstanding "Fines and Fees".
• View "Contact Information" on your library account.
• Link to or view other library accounts that you manage.
• "Sign Out" of the app.
• Modify your language and display preferences (ex: Dark Mode).
• View and manage "Checked Out Titles" and "Titles on Hold".

More

• Tap "More" along the bottom of the screen to navigate to additional options.
• Tap to view the hours and information related to your Home Library.
• See "Location" information for other libraries in the system.
• Tap on custom menu links added by your library.
• From the "Preferences" screen, you can:
  • Manage Browse Categories
  • Manage Notifications
• Tap "Support" to see if a new version of the mobile app is available.
• Adjust "Language" and "Appearance" from either "Preferences" or "Account".

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use the old app?

Our contract with the vendor expires on August 29, 2024. You can use the old app until then.

Why are you changing the app?

We have opted for this new app and catalog because they offer greater customization, enabling us to incorporate community feedback and make necessary adjustments.

How can I provide feedback on the new app?

You can submit your feedback using our online Comment Form, call our Information Services Desk at 847-429-4680 or text our Information Services Desk at 847-754-4599.

Where can I get help with using the new app?

You can visit the Mobile App section of our new Using the Library Catalog page by clicking here, call our Information Services Desk at 847-429-4680 or text our Information Services Desk at 847-754-4599.

What will happen to my holds in the old app?

All holds information is stored in a system the library is not changing. Any holds you place in either app will be accepted and appear in your holds list of both apps.

I cannot find my expiration date in the app. Where is it?

Most library cards no longer have an expiration date. We are working to accurately display the expiration date for the cards that do expire in our app. The catalog will display an alert 30 days before and until you renew your card.