An Introduction to Discovery: The New Catalog at the Dominican Theological Library

Accessing the Catalog

Click the “Catalog” link to begin searching our holdings. You can also click on “Online Resources” to view electronic materials available through our databases.

The basic keyword search function comes up automatically on our catalog’s homepage. Do a keyword search to find an author, title, call number, or subject. You can also click “Advanced Search” to perform more complex boolean searches. Using Advanced Search allows you to view and select which online databases are included in the search in addition to the library’s physical holdings.

NOTE: Only a portion of our electronic materials are represented in the catalog. To see a full list of the Online Resources available through the library, go to the “Online Resources” link on the DHS web site.

Viewing Search Results

Books in our library’s collection will display first in the results list, followed by books owned by other libraries. The rest of the filters at the left of the search results screen let you refine your search by format, author, year, language, and other parameters. You can change the sort order by using the “Sort by” drop-down menu, or exclude items not held in our library by using the “Library” filter.

To return to the original search results screen, click “View Filters” at the upper left. Do NOT click the browser’s “back” button – it will return you to the catalog home page. When you select an item, the search results list is preserved at the left of the screen, so you can easily scroll through and view another item.

Retrieving Materials

Click on an item to view its call number and availability. A book that has been checked out will display its due date.

Items’ shelving locations appear above their call numbers: Reference Dominicana Course Reserves Theses Special Collections Microfilm Always check to see if the item you’re viewing is part of a non-circulating collection:

Any item on the reserves shelf will include a note indicating the class under which it can be found:

Journal records will include only the most recent issues, displayed on the shelving upstairs. Check the Holding Summary statement to see the full extent of our holdings.

Placing Holds

You may place a hold on an item that is currently on the shelf to have it held at the desk for you, or on an item that has been checked out to ensure that you receive the next available copy. We will notify you when the item is checked in, and hold it for you at the circulation desk for seven days. Please note that, while holds for available items will be filled within a few days, those placed on checked out items will take considerably longer.

Creating a Password

Every patron will need to set a password the first time they access the new system. To set your password, click ‘Sign In’ Click ‘Set/reset password’… If your DHS ID has the barcode located on the back (usually beginning with 20539), just type the number as you see it. If your barcode is located on the front, you MUST type ‘ID’ before and after the number with no spaces. It will look like this: ‘ID1234567ID’. …and enter your barcode on the following page. If your PFIC ID does not have the barcode number written out, please visit the circulation desk where we can look up your number for you.

When you click ‘Request new password,’ you will receive an email with a link: Please note that the link will expire 24 hours after being sent! After following the link you will be able to create and confirm your new password: If you ever need to reset your password, you can follow these same steps to do so.

Viewing My Account

To view your account, click “Sign In” in the upper right of the screen

Once you have signed in, click “My Account” to view your checkouts, active holds, and fines:

From this screen you can also change your password, renew books, cancel holds, and view your fees..

Course Reserves

Search by course name, instructor, or subject Click the button at the upper right of the screen at any time to access course reserves Select a course from the list of results to view the materials on reserve for that class…

Thank you for watching! If you have any further questions about using the new catalog, feel free to ask at the circulation desk!