Library 101: Accessing the Catalog

A Library Catalog is a collection of electronic records for everything in the library.  Just like a catalog from a store lists everything the store sells, the library catalog lists everything available for check out and where to find it.  When looking at a Record for an individual item the Call Number tells you where books are located and the Status indicates if a book is currently checked out or checked in.

Sometimes kids ask me if I've read every book in the library and my answer is always "Not yet."  I don't have everything memorized, I use the catalog, just like you do, to see what all we have and where to find things on the shelf.

You don't have to be in the library to search our catalog - it's available 24/7 online.

From home: http://lib.friscoisd.org/ipac20/ipac.jsp?profile=131#focus
From school: Select the desktop icon that looks like a bookworm, it may be named Purefoy HIP or Library Catalog.

HIP stands for Horizon Information Portal.  HIP is just the name of the software system we use in the district for our union catalog. Having a union catalog means you can search all libraries in our district at the same time by choosing the "All Libraries" tab at the top of the screen.

Use the HIP catalog to view materials in the library collection by searching for books, audio books, and magazines by keyword, title, author, subject, or series.

1. Type in what you are looking for on the main HIP page.  The HIP catalog likes for words and names to be spelled correctly.
2. The Keyword search is the default search and will search entire records.  You can change this box if you know an exact item you want.
3. View the search results and click each record for more information.

You can view your account using the HIP and see what you have checked out with due dates.

1. On the main HIP page, click the tab “My Account.” 
2. When prompted, enter your ID number (lunch number). 
3. You will see an account overview. Click “Checked Out” to see your items and their due dates. 
4. Click “Holds” to see what books you have on hold and where you are in line.

Use the HIP to place a hold, this means you are waiting in line to read a book that is checked out.

1. Search for book you want to check out.
2. Click “Request Item.” Do NOT click “Add to My List” - it won’t work.
3. When prompted, enter your ID number (lunch number).
4. Click "Request" until the "Request Confirmation" screen appears. You do not need to enter comments.
5. If you check your account, the book will now appear on the “Holds” screen. The number will tell you how many people are in front of you in line. When the book is available the library will email your teacher.

Find ideas for what to read next using the HIP. Click the top tab that says "Good Books" and use the listed links.

The HIP can help with your homework! Click the "Research Tools" tab for access to databases. A database is a collection of fact-checked information organized for effective searching. Learn more about research resources here.

Don't see your favorite book?  Have a question about using the catalog?  

Leave a comment below this post for help.