Using the Library Catalog

The King County Library System catalog provides easy computer-based access to nearly 15 million items. Learn how to make the most of this valuable resource.

New Catalog FAQS | Catalog Overview | Pay Fines Online | New Features | Finding, Holding and Renewing Materials | Downloads and Display | Using Your Account | Log In Troubles | Web Browser Settings | Catalog Media Icons

Catalog FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Catalog Overview

Catalog New Design and Features
See the new navigation buttons, patron dashboard, and my account functions.

Guide to Call Numbers
Get information on how books, music and other items are categorized.

Guide to the Status Descriptions of Items
Look up the terms that describe an item’s status.

Pay Fines

Pay Fines Online
Pay your fines online using your Visa or MasterCard.

New Features

Check Out History -  Checkout History has been transferred over to the new system and is now available.  

Remember Me - It is now possible to allow your personal computer to "remember" a library card number and PIN or other login credentials, with many browsers.

Dashboard User Summary - This feature now includes overdue items in the total checked out items..

Mobile Catalog - Development is underway to improve the catalog performance at this time. In the meantime, you may elect to use the Mobile Catalog http://catalog.kcls.org/opac/extras/mobile/

Finding, Holding, and Renewing Materials

Searching
Here you will find helpful documentation to aid in achieving the best results while searching for materials in the KCLS library catalog.

Placing Holds
See instructions on how to place a hold on library materials.

Modify Holds
See instructions on how to make changes to existing holds.

Renewing Items
Learn about the KCLS renewal policy and how to renew an item.

Check Out History
Get details about items that you have checked out and save the information for your own use at a later date.

Create and Control Lists
Learn about keeping lists and the new ways to share them with others.

Downloads and Display

Library Elf
Use this tool to organize your library account. Keep track of your materials, due dates and holds.

Clearing the Cache Firefox
In order to see recent code developments please clear your cache.

Clearing the Cache IE
In order to see the most recent code developments please clear your cache.

Displaying Diacritics
To be able to display diacritics and non-English language characters, including Chinese, Japanese and Korean, you need to have specific settings for your Web browser and your Microsoft Office Word program.

Log In Troubles

Problems logging into your Account?
Having trouble accessing your KCLS account from home? Take a look at this section for help with resolving any issues you may be experiencing.

Clear Your Cache
Enhancements are being added to the catalog every day.  To experience up to date improvements to the catalog you will need to clear your cache. 

Other Alternatives
We have observed that many of the features demonstrate an improved speed and functionality with Internet Browsers such as Mozilla Firefox, or Google Chrome. 

Another option available is to access your account using the text only mobile version of the catalog available at: http://catalog.kcls.org/opac/extras/mobile/.

Your Web Browser Settings

Security settings: The catalog is inaccessible when security settings are at their highest - check your web browser’s status under Internet Options or Preferences.

Cookies: Your browser must accept cookies to successfully access KCLS databases - check your web browser’s status under Internet Options or Preferences.

Java and JavaScript: Many databases use JavaScript or Java and, in these cases, your web browser must have Java and JavaScript enabled - check your web browser’s status under Internet Options or Preferences.

Internet Explorer Secure Site Issues: Resolve a secure site issue in which you cannot view a certain web site in Internet Explorer review.  Additionally if you cannot log in to or connect to a secured web site in Internet Explorer review this article at Microsoft Support, (Click on fix it and check).

Reset Internet Explorer Settings:
Another option is to Optimize Internet Explorer and check if the issue persists.

Important: The Reset Internet Explorer Settings feature might reset security settings or privacy settings that you added to the list of Trusted Sites. The Reset Internet Explorer Settings feature might also reset parental control settings. We recommend that you note these sites before you use the Reset Internet Explorer Settings feature.

Contact Us
If your problems persist, please fill out the Contact Us form so that we can collect details that will help us further troubleshoot the problem.

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Last Updated: October 11, 2011