Reserves, Renewals and My Reading History

Placing an Online Reserve Request

Did you find something you wanted in the catalog, but it's not on the shelf? Or the Athenaeum doesn't own it, but another library has a copy of the item you want? You can request materials online to be delivered to the Athenaeum for you.

To place a request:

• Search the library catalog to identify the item(s) you want.
• If you get a list of titles, click on view full record or on the title of the one you want. When the individual item record displays, click on the REQUEST button.

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• Enter your library card number and PIN at the prompts, and choose a pickup location (where you would like the item delivered) from the drop-down menu. Then click SUBMIT.

To place several holds in one search session, it's easiest to log in to your account first. Once logged in, click Search the Catalog. When you browse the catalog while logged in, you do not have to enter your library card number and PIN for each item you request.

Effective February 2nd, 2009, patrons can have a maximum of ten (10) holds on their library account.

The Library will notify you when the item is ready to be picked up. We find the reserve system averages 2 weeks to fill a request.

Questions? Ask at the Reference Desk or call us at 499-9480 during regular library hours.

Renewing Library Items online

Go to the Library Catalog and click the LOGIN button at the upper right part of the screen.

Enter your name, library card number, and PIN (Personal Identification Number). If this is the first time you've accessed your account, follow the directions to create a PIN before continuing. Then click "Display record ..."

When your record appears, click "View Checked Out Items." The list of titles will appear in a window at the bottom of the screen. (Note, the list shows items from all C/WMARS libraries, not just the Athenaeum.)

You can then click "Renew All," or click in the box beside each item and then click "Renew Selected Items." Warning: Don't click directly on the titles or it will display the catalog instead.

The "Status" column will now display the new due dates. It will also indicate if any items can't be renewed, and the reason.

Reasons for not renewing a title include:

• You have already renewed the item once.
• Another patron has reserved the item.
• Your card has been blocked due to an accumulation of fines.
• The item is already overdue and has accumulated fines (You can still call us to renew overdue items so that you don't continue to accrue more fines)

My Reading History

Want to be able to look back on what you’ve read or checked out in the past? Track your circulation history by maintaining an online “Reading List.” This option is strictly voluntary; if you don’t choose to maintain a Reading List, there will be no record of your borrowed items.

This list is confidential and is only accessible by you.

To start your Reading List, from the library’s website, www.forbeslibrary.org:

• Go to the Library Catalog and click the LOGIN button at the upper right part of the screen..
• Log-in or create an account
• Click on “My Reading History”
• Click on “CLICK HERE to turn on My Reading History”

After you opt in, any item that you check out will be included in your Reading List when you return it.

You can delete any item from this list by

• Checking the box under the column “Mark” for the title you want to delete
• Click “Delete Marked” or “Delete All” to remove all titles in your list

You can discontinue using the Reading History feature any time you choose. Before opting out, you must “Delete All” from your Reading History.

This page updated September 2008.