• renew checked-out items,
• review checked out items (and their due dates),
• view outstanding fines ,
• place a HOLD on an item which is checked out, and
• check the status of your HOLDS,

When you use these features, all regular library policies will apply.

These features are accessed by clicking on the "My Account" button in TOPCAT. If you have trouble with any of these features, please contact Circulation Services.

User ID and PIN

Any time you access your account, you'll need to provide a User ID and a PIN. After each change, you'll be prompted to input this again. Although this is frustrating, it's designed to protect your privacy.

Your User ID is your library barcode number.
This is a long (13-digit) number on the front of your student card (Campus Card):

Your PIN is the last 4 digits of your student or staff number.

Ignore the Alternate ID (if you see it) because we don't use this feature.
External Borrowers: your PIN is the last 4 digits of your barcode number.

How to Renew Material Online:

1. Login to your TOPCAT account.
2. Select "Renew My Materials".
3. Enter your library ID and PIN, where prompted. (See above for an explanation of these.)
4. A list of items currently checked out to you will appear. Click in the box of those you wish to renew.
5. Click on "Renew Selected Items".
6. If items have been successfully renewed, the due date will change to two weeks from today's date. Check that all items were successfully renewed.
7. Make note of the new due date. Please note that renewed items are subject to recall.

Reasons Items May NOT be Renewed:

If items are not renewed, it may be for one of the following reasons:

• Items may be renewed three times only.
 
• Outstanding library fines may prohibit online renewal.
 
• Journals and periodicals are non-renewable.
 
• If you have any overdue books, no items may be renewed online.
 
• Another patron may have placed a hold on the book.
 
• ILL items cannot be renewed online; see ILL renewal.

If you require any additional information about the online renewal feature, please contact Circulation Services.

1. Login to your TOPCAT account.
2. Select "Review My Account".
3. Input your ID and PIN, as prompted. See above for an explanation of these.
4. Click on "Display User Information".
5. The following screen will display each item you have signed out, its due date, and any fines owing. Below that is a list of items you have on HOLD. The only thing you can alter on this screen is your HOLDs; you can cancel them.

How to Place a HOLD on an Item

If you find a "holdable" item in TOPCAT, but it's currently checked out to someone, you can place a HOLD on it. This puts you in line to get the item when it's returned, and it prevents it from being renewed.

Only books that are currently signed out are "holdable". Journals are not "holdable". It's not possible to place a HOLD on a book that is sitting in our library in order to save the book for yourself.

Place a HOLD by clicking on the "Hold" button in a record for a book. TOPCAT asks for your user ID and PIN. When you have entered this information, click on "Place Hold". TOPCAT informs you of the status of your hold.

If the item you chose is not eligible for a HOLD, your request will be rejected. Contact Circulation Services if you need further information or assistance.

How to Check the Status of a HOLD

Once you have placed a HOLD on an item, you can check the status of your HOLD and see when the item is available for you.

1. Login to your TOPCAT account.
2. Select "Review My Account".
3. Input your ID and PIN, as prompted. See above for an explanation of these.
4. Click on "Display User Information".
5. The following screen will display each item you have on HOLD and what position you are in on the waiting list. If you decide not to wait for the item, you can cancel your HOLD from this screen.
6. When the item becomes available for you, you may pick it up at the Circulation Desk.  The item will be kept for you for 5 days after it becomes available, and the Circulation staff will contact you by email.  After 5 days, the item goes to the next person on the list or returns to the stacks.

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Last Modified: February 17, 2012
Maintained by , Thomas J. Bata Library.