The booking process ensures that an item will be available for a class viewing. Only Trent University faculty, graduate students and staff holding a valid TrentU card may book media titles in advance. Book your media as early as possible.
Booking is not required for media; if the item is available, you may sign it out for 1 night.
Bookings can be made 10-364 days before the item is needed. The 10-day window is needed to ensure that the item will be available. For all last minute requests (within 10 days of the required show date) please visit the Library Service Desk to borrow the item.
Booking Process
The quickest way to find a media item is to Browse by Title.
- If you know the title of the item, search TOPCAT using Basic Search and then Search Type: browse.
- After entering the first few words of the title, click on title (see Finding Trent Media for tips).
- Click on the title from the list to get to the record.
- Within the record click on the "Media Booking" icon located on the left side of the record.
Here's a screen capture of the link.
Click on Media Booking to book the item.
You'll see the following screen:
- Enter your Library Account ID and PIN. (This is your Library account, not your myTrent account.)
- Enter the required show date - use the format YYYY-MM-DD.
- Enter the preferred pickup location (Peterborough, Oshawa, UOIT).
- Click "Create Booking".
A message will appear immediately on the screen, indicating whether or not the title is confirmed for your requested show date. You'll also receive an email message confirming the booking and pickup details.
To review or cancel your bookings, use the TOPCAT 'My Account' option and select 'Review My Media Bookings'.
Pick Up
In Peterborough pick up your booked item at the Library Service Desk.
- You need your TrentU card (in good standing) to check out your booked items.
- The card must be the same one used for the booking.
Loan Period
A booked media item has a 1-night loan period and is subject to the regular Media fine rates.
Other Options
If you do not find items in TOPCAT consider one of the following options:
- Search a variety of online resources for direct access to streaming and on-demand videos.
- Borrow media from other Ontario institutions.
- Faculty members can make recommendations to their department's library co-ordinator to have media titles purchased for the Library's collection.
