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.

Catalog Overview

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.

Catalog FAQs
Get answers to common questions.

More Catalog Help
Learn tips, tricks and further information from library catalog experts.

Finding, Holding, and Renewing Materials

Limiting Searches
Get tips that make it easier to find specifically what you’re looking for in the catalog.

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

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

Using the Book Bag Feature
The book bag feature is a handy tool to assist patrons with placing hold on more than one item at a time.

Downloads and Display

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

Library Lookup Tool
Want to know whether KCLS carries a book that you find at one of many online retailers? Use this convenient tool to check its availability in the KCLS collection.

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.


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Last Updated: January 9, 2008