a service of Tampa Bay Library Consortium


   If you have an questions or comments about this service please send them to alleycat@tblc.org

 

 

FAQ

Trouble Shooting

Libraries

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How To Use Alleycat


Requirements: You need a computer connected to the Internet, a web browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape with "Java" enabled.  Alleycat cannot be accessed via WebTV or the Suncoast Free-net.  

Visit Alleycat go to http://alleycat.tblc.org (if you are not already there)

Select Your Library

  1. Select your home library or the library you wish to pick the item up at.
  2. Enter your library barcode (found on the back of your library card)
  3. Click the "Click Here" button

Search for an Item

  1. Click the "Searching and Requesting" button on the  Patron Main Menu screen
  2. On the Search Menu screen, type in what you are looking for in the Term box.  Capitalization and punctuation are ignored.

    To search by Title: Type the title
      (example: Gone with the Wind)

    To search by Subject: Type the word(s) for the subject (example: cat breeds)

    To search by Author: Type Last name First name of the author, (example: Steele Danielle)

  3. Select the button that best describes the type of search you are doing
  4. Select the "Catalogs to Search" (the default strategy "Virtual Catalog" searches all the libraries)
  5. Click the "Begin Searching" button
  6. On the "Combined Results" screen double click the title to see additional information and availability of the item.

    Please note:
    • You can sort your results by title, publication date or author.  The default sort is title.
    • If your "home" library owns the item and it is available you will not be allowed to request the item.
  7. When you decide you would like the item, click the "Request" button.

Create a Request 

  • Verify your name
  • Select pickup location from the drop down box
  • Change the need by date if necessary
  • Add a note only if there is something you need to tell the librarian. A note will slow down your request. You DO NOT need to enter your phone number.  The library staff at your library will use the library's automation system to obtain your phone number if it is needed.
  • Type in your e-mail address if you wish to be notified by e-mail of the status of your request
  • Click the "Submit" button to finish your request

Checking your requests

  • You can check on the status of your request at any time by choosing the "Review your Requests" button on the Patron
    Main Menu     screen.

Policies

  • To request items you must have a valid library card at a participating library. (You can search for items as a "guest" without a library card.)
  • Loan period is usually 21 days
  • No renewals
  • Request remains active for 30 days
  • Delivery time of materials to selected pickup location will depend upon availability of the item
  • If e-mail address is supplied you will receive e-mail notification if the item is filled, not available, or if your request expires

See the FAQ section for additional information.