Koha is a full-featured, open source, library management system. Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) uses Koha to maintain and manage items and patron information. The term “Koha” originates from a New Zealand Māori custom that can be translated as “gift, present, offering, donation or contribution.” Visit
https://koha-community.org/ for more information about the Koha Library System.
The easiest way to start looking for items is to use the search box at the top of the catalog. Place a word or words that pertain to the subject you are researching into the box and click “Go.” Try a few general searches to get a feel for how the catalog works. Click on the “Advanced Search” tab for a more detailed and specific way of searching. For more information on searching the catalog, watch the video on the first tab of this guide.
When you complete a search, you will see a list of books and other media available in your subject area. Click on the title, and you will be taken to a page with more details. You will also see which branch or branches have the item on the shelf.
There is a drop down menu next to the word “Search” at the top of the catalog. The default search option is “Library Catalog” which allows you to do a general keyword search.
To search for a specific author:
- Click on the arrow next to the words “Library catalog”
- Select “Author”
- Put the author’s name in the search box.
- For example: Child, Lee
- Then Click the “Go” button
You can place a hold on any item in the catalog and it will be transferred to your location of choice at no cost. Click on “Place Hold,” log in to your account, and then select a “pick up location.” Then click on “Place Hold.” You will be notified (by the email address or phone number you designated when you signed up for a library card) when the item has arrived at your pickup location.
After you search for an item, you will see a “Refine your search” box on the left side of the page. Click on the library name under “Home libraries” to limit your results to the library branch of your choice.
To search for a specific series:
- Click on the arrow next to the words “Library catalog”
- Select “Series”
- Put the name of the series in the search box
- If you know the number or volume of the book you are looking for, include that too.
- For example: Series of unfortunate events 12
- Then Click the “Go” button
After logging into your account in the online catalog, click on the tab labeled “your reading history.” You will see a list of all the items that you have checked out in the past.
The Koha cart is a nice way to keep your items organized while looking through the catalog. During an online session, the cart allows you to set aside items that you would like to review and possibly check out during the time that you are logged in. You are not setting aside items for purchase.
It depends upon the type of item. For example, you can place three holds on DVDs while you can place 20 holds on books. Ask your librarian if you are wondering about another item type.
Click on “Place hold” in the DVD collection where you would like to choose a specific item. Then click on “Show more options.” Click on the circle next to “a specific item.” Click on the circle under the Copy Number of the particular volume of the series you are interested in borrowing. Then click on “Place Hold.” Visit
http://guides.hmcpl.org/howtoplaceholdsonindividualvolumesinaseries for a step-by-step guide with pictures.
It may not be lost. Be sure and check with a member of the library staff. They will investigate the problem and reset the hold.
The OverDrive Collection is a way to connect to the Digital Media Zone (DMZ) from the catalog. The DMZ is our collection of electronic books, available for download to your electronic devices. The books are free to download if you have a library card. Visit
http://hmcpl.org/ebooks for more information.
After logging into your account in the online catalog, you can choose the “Purchase Suggestion” tab and fill out the form. A librarian will consider buying the item to add to our collection. Also, HMCPL has an Interlibrary Loan service through which items can be borrowed from other libraries throughout the United States. You can access this at
https://hmcpl.org/loan. A small fee is required to use the Interlibrary Loan service.
You must first visit an HMCPL branch to ask for a library card. When you register for a library card, a library staff member will give you a new card with a 14-digit number on the back. Also, the staff member will ask you to create a four-digit PIN. Don’t worry, if you forget the PIN, drop by a branch and we will reset it for you.
Yes. After logging into your account, click on the “change your password” tab. You must know your old password or PIN to update to a new one.
In the online catalog, type the card number from the back of your library card in the Login box. Type your four-digit PIN in the Password box and then click on “Login.”
All HMCPL library cards begin with the prefix 2156200. For your convenience, we’ve added that to the Login box so that you only have to enter the last seven unique numbers on your library card into the Login box after 2156200.
You will need to visit an HMCPL branch to borrow physical items. You can place those items on hold online to be picked up at the branch of your choice. Also, you can use our E-book services online to borrow and download ebooks. Visit
http://hmcpl.org/ebooks for more information.
Visit the catalog online
(http://catalog.hmcpl.org) and log in to your account. On the “your summary” tab you will see a list of items that you have checked out. Next to each item is a “renew” link. Click on “renew” next to the item you would like to renew.
