IRC Online Catalog

Using the IRC Online Catalog

Using the Online Catalog to search the IRC's collection doesn't need to be difficult. There are just a few steps.

  1. Enter your search term in the box, remembering to use last names when searching for an author.
  2. Click on the button that describes your search term.

For example, if you wanted to find all the books by Joan Bauer, you would type "Bauer" in to the box, and then click the button. The screen then shows all the authors named with the last name Bauer. You would then click on the entry that says "Bauer, Joan, 1951-" to see which books by Joan Bauer the IRC has. 

After clicking the link, you would see the IRC has three books by Joan Bauer: Hope Was Here, Squashed, and Thwonk. Maybe you're interested in Squashed, but are at home and can't get to the IRC until tomorrow. The best thing to do then is to place a hold on the book.

Placing a hold on a book

Placing a hold on a book lets you be sure a book you looked up one day will be there the next day. Just follow these simple steps to place a hold.

  1. Click on the title of the book you're interested in.
  2. On the left of the screen, you'll see a blue botton that says "Place Hold/Reserve." Click that button.
  3. You will be asked to enter an ID and a password. 
    • Your ID is your PSU Student ID number, without the leading zeros.
    • Your password is your last name.
  4. You will be asked if you want to hold a specific copy or any copy, and you have the option of reserving it for a specific date.

  5. Once you make your selections, click on the button that says "Save" to complete your hold.

How to see your circulation information

Would you like to see what you have checked out? Do you think you have a fine, but want to check to be sure? Checking all that is easy! 

  1. Click on the button marked "My Info" that is below and to the left of the search box.
  2. You will be asked to enter an ID and a password.
    • Your ID is your PSU Student ID number, without the leading zeros.
    • Your password is your last name.
  3. You will see a screen that displays three things:
    • Checkouts (every book or resource you have checked out from the IRC)
    • Fines (any fines you may have at the IRC)
    • Holds/Reserves (any books or resources you have placed on hold using the hold system described above)