Virtual Catalog FAQs

 

For a tutorial on using the Virtual Catalogs, click here.  

What is a Virtual Catalog?

A Virtual Catalog is a library service that allows users to search the catalogs of other libraries for books and request items not owned by UMass Lowell University Libraries to be delivered to either O'Leary Library or Lydon Library. Books may be borrowed for 28 days. Renewals are not allowed. There is a replacement charge of $105 for lost Virtual catalog Items. The University Libraries offer our users two Virtual Catalogs from which to choose, The Boston Library Consortium Virtual Catalog and The Massachusetts Statewide Virtual Catalog.

Which one should I choose?

The Boston Library Consortium Virtual Catalog combines the catalogs of university and college libraries as well as the Boston Public Library. For this reason, it is best to choose the BLC Virtual Catalog first when searching for academic, advanced, technical, or college level books. The BLC also uses a rapid delivery service, so items requested through the BLC Virtual Catalog will arrive sooner than items requested through another method, usually in three-five days.

The Massachusetts Statewide Virtual Catalog combines the catalogs of several Massachusetts public library networks:  UMass Amherst, UMass Boston, UMass Dartmouth, Westfield State College, Bridgewater State College, and FLO (Fenway Libraries Online), a consortium of private institutions. As the name implies, public library networks are mainly made up of public libraries, however, most Massachusetts state colleges' libraries and community colleges' libraries  belong to public library networks, as do the libraries of a few private colleges. FLO, Fenway Libraries Online, is a consortium of private institutions and is expected to join the Statewide Virtual Catalog soon. One of the benefits of sharing a Virtual Catalog with the public libraries is that the public libraries purchase different materials than academic libraries like O'Leary and Lydon libraries here at UML do. In general, public libraries' collections are rich in fiction, especially current, popular fiction, and nonfiction aimed at a general reader.

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What libraries are involved with the Virtual Catalog?

The libraries currently involved with the The Boston Library Consortium Virtual Catalog are the libraries at all five UMass campuses, Boston University, Brown University, Northeastern University, Tufts University, Wellesley College, Williams College, the Marine Biological Labs/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, the University of New Hampshire, the University of Connecticut and the Boston Public Library. Other BLC libraries may be joining soon.

The Massachusetts Statewide Virtual Catalog is comprised of several library networks in Massachusetts, the Minuteman Library Network, the Metro-Boston Library Network, NOBLE -  the North of Boston Library Exchange, the Old Colony Library Network, the SAILS Library Network, and C/W Mars Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing, Inc. There are well over 100 public libraries involved in the Statewide Virtual Catalog.  More library networks will be joining the project soon.

How do I use the Virtual Catalog?

For a tutorial on using the Virtual Catalogs, click here.

To begin searching immediately:

Click here for the BLC Virtual Catalog Patron Login Screen

Click here for the Statewide Virtual Catalog Patron Login Screen

Who may use the Virtual Catalogs?

Anyone may search the Virtual Catalogs by logging into the system as a guest. 
UMass Lowell faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students as well as those granted special borrowing privileges may request books from other libraries via The Virtual Catalog provided that they have a valid library borrowing number. For most people this will be the 16 digit number located on their IDs or Special Borrower cards. For others, the number will begin with the letter code SBN or SBS. Library users who have overdue items or unpaid fines on their records may search, but may not request material using the Virtual Catalog.

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When should I use a Virtual Catalog?

A Virtual Catalog should be used when you know the title or author of the book you want and have already determined that it is not available at either O’Leary or Lydon Library.

The Virtual Catalogs do not allow for keyword searching, so it is less effective to begin your research here than to begin with the UMass Lowell online catalog or periodical databases.

If you are unsure if either of the Virtual Catalogs is an appropriate tool for your research or have questions about how to use it, please feel free to ask a librarian for help.

How long may I keep items borrowed through the Virtual Catalogs?

Items may be borrowed for 28 days.  

May I renew items borrowed through the Virtual Catalog?

No, items borrowed through the Virtual Catalogs may not be renewed.

How long does it take to get something through the BLC Virtual Catalog?

If the item is available immediately at a participating BLC library, it generally takes 3-5 days to arrive. The Boston Library Consortium sponsors delivery between libraries by U.P.S.

How long does it take to get something through the Statewide Virtual Catalog?

If the item is available immediately, it generally takes 5-10 days to arrive at UMass Lowell.

Can I get journal articles through the Virtual Catalogs?

At this time the Virtual Catalogs are for books only.

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