How Do I Use Search Ohio?
You can do a search in Mentor Public Library catalog and then click on the Search Ohio icon at the right; this will do the same search in the Search Ohio catalog.
To request an item in Search Ohio:
- Find the title you want in Search Ohio and click on it.
- Click on "request this title," which is below the title, author, and publisher information.
- You will be asked to choose your library; choose "Mentor PL"
- Type in your name and library card number and then click "submit." Even if you already logged in to the Mentor Public Library catalog, Search Ohio needs to verify your library card and name.
- Look at the next screen to see if your request was accepted.
The reference staff has created a short tutorial on using Search Ohio. Click here to view the tutorial.
(Adobe Flash Player is required to view: download Flash Player here.)
What Happens When a Title I Requested Comes In?
Titles you request in Search Ohio will be ready for you to pick up in 3 - 7 days. You will be notified that's its ready to pick up in the same way you are notified for other library reserves, either by phone or by e-mail. After we contact you, you can pick up your Search Ohio items on the self-serve reserve shelves where you pick up your other reserves. At this point, Search Ohio items cannot be checked out on the self-check machines--you must check them out at the circulation desk.
Is it Important for the Library to Have My E-Mail Address?
Yes! If an item you request cannot be found at the library that owns it, your request could be cancelled. The only way the system can notify you of a cancellation is by e-mail.
Who Can Place Search Ohio Requests?
Anyone who has a Mentor Public Library card in good standing can place Search Ohio requests.
Can People from Other Libraries Get Mentor Public Library Items through Search Ohio?
Yes, but there are some restrictions:
- They can request an item from us only if it is available. People from other libraries cannot get on the reserve list for a title that's checked out or on order.
- They cannot request most new titles or non-circulating items.
Does Search Ohio Take the Place of Interlibrary Loan?
If you cannot find a title you want in Search Ohio, you can still go to the reference desk and request it through interlibrary loan. However, we ask that you check SearchOhio first.
