Reserving Library Materials
You may place a hold on most library items via the online catalog. Magazines, some paperbacks and some tools may not be reserved.
- Find the item you want in the online catalog.
- Click on the Request button.
- You will be prompted for your name and your library barcode.
- Choose the location where you want to pick up your item.
- If you have given us your e-mail address you will receive an email messages stating your item has arrived at the pickup location you designated. If not, you will receive an automated phone call.
Link+
Link+ is a cooperative project among dozens of academic and public libraries. It allows patrons to request books from these other libraries when the title they want is not available at the Berkeley Public Library. Typically Link+ items arrive at the library 2-4 days after you request them. We will hold it for you for 10 days. Items go out for 3 weeks, and if there are no other holds, can be renewed once for 14 more days. Be aware the fine for overdue Link+ materials is $1.00/day. The fee for lost or damaged Link+ items is $115.00. For more info download the Link+ brochure. Link+ is FREE.
Interlibrary loans
Use this service to borrow items that the Berkeley Public Library does not own. A non-refundable $2 fee allows us to search libraries throughout North America. Requests usually take 6-8 weeks to fill. If the lending institution charges us a fee, we will pass it on to you. In most cases, Link+ will be a better option.
Notifying you about reserves
E-mail - If you supply an e-mail address when you apply for your library card, the library communicates with you only through e-mail. Keep your e-mail address current!
Telephone - If you did not give an e-mail address, the automated telephone system calls you. The message states only that materials are being held at the library you designated. It does not announce your name or any information about your materials.
U.S. Mail - If you have not supplied an e-mail address or a telephone number, the library mails you a printed notice.
Renewals
You may renew most items one time. There are four ways to renew library materials:
- By calling 981-6249
- Online via the library's website (see the form below)
- At any terminal at any site
- With staff at any circulation desk
If your materials are overdue, you may not renew them online or by telephone. If someone has a hold on your item, you may not renew it.
View and Renew
- Click on View your record or Renew your materials or your library account.
- Click and type your name and your library card barcode number.
- Click on xx items checked out
- Select the items you want to renew, then click on Renew Selected Items.
- Items can only be renewed once. You will see the error message Too Many Renewals if you try to renew an item a second time.
- When you finish viewing your record or renewing your materials, Start Over will return you to the web Library Catalog Main Menu.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to read the messages in the Status column carefully! The new due date is calculated from the date you renew the item. Write down the new date.
If you are not successful in renewing items, you will be subject to regular fines.
you can always view your own record at any library terminal or through the web Library Catalog or the telnet Library Catalog.