Libraries and leisure

Help with the online library catalogue and self-service options

What is available and when?

Use the Online Library Catalogue link on the right hand side of this page to explore the catalogue and self-service options. They are available every day from 03.00 hours until 23.45 hours.

Through the online catalogue you can:

• search the catalogue
• make requests
• see what you have on loan and renew items online
• change your contact details
• see any fees or charges outstanding on your account and pay them with a debit or credit card
• search KidsZone for children’s titles

You will need your library membership number and PIN (Personal Identification Number) to look at your borrower details. If you don't know your PIN, you can obtain it by presenting your library card at any Hertfordshire library


How do I look for something on the catalogue?

Select SearchZone to look on the library catalogue. You can look up approximately 1.5 million books, DVDs, talking books, CDs, newspapers and magazines, available in Hertfordshire libraries. Choose from three options:

• Quick search - here you can use keywords from the title, subject or series, or you can look for a name or names. You can also choose a library, format (eg book, DVD, talking book) and date of publication
• Advanced search - here you can carry out a more structured search
• Browsing - here you can look in specific indexes eg Titles, Names, Subjects

What do I do when I find something?

You can see which libraries have copies and whether they are currently in the library or on loan. However, this can change very quickly, so please phone to check on the current availability of an item if you are planning to visit a library to borrow it. Library staff will be happy to keep the item aside for you to collect.
Or you can make a request online for a copy to be delivered to your local library by clicking on the Reservation button and entering your membership number and PIN. Then select the library where you would like your requested item to be delivered. Online help is provided to help you through this process. You will then be notified when the reserved item arrives and is ready for you to collect.

There may be a charge for this reservation service if you are requesting adult stock, but some people are exempt. Click on the Library Charges and Concessions link on the right to find details of costs and information on people who do not pay reservation charges, for example people with disabilities.


What if I can’t find what I am looking for on the catalogue?

You can make a request by clicking on the link Can’t find it? on the left side of the screen. If you use the Can’t find it? option, follow the on-screen hints and fill in as much information as possible about the item you wish to borrow. If the item is in print then we may decide to buy it or alternatively, it may be possible to borrow it from other library sources. We can obtain a range of items including books, newspaper and journal articles, maps, theses and reports, language courses, music and drama sets and popular books in different languages and titles in alternative formats, if they are available. We are not able to borrow videos, DVDs, talking books or music recordings.

There are charges for these services, though some people are exempt. Click on the Library Charges and Concessions link on the right to find details of costs and information on people who do not pay charges, for example people with disabilities.


Is there a way I can just look at children’s titles?

Select KidsZone to search the catalogue for specific authors or titles aimed at children aged 4-11 years old. The search screens are set up to be child-friendly so can be used by people of all ages.


How do I look at my membership details?

Use the MyZone icon to log in and check your personal details using your library membership card number and PIN. If you don't know your PIN, you can obtain it by presenting your library card at any Hertfordshire library.

In MyZone you can see what items you have on loan and renew them, look at any reservations you have made, change your e-mail or mobile phone details, check your account and you can pay these charges by credit or debit card.


What other links are there?

We have added online Help which can be checked at any tome by following the link at te top of the screen. There is also a Feedback option if you want to get in touch with us or make any suggestions.

We have also added some other links to help you to get the best out of your library service:

We recommend

Not sure what to read next? This section might help you choose:

• Book prizes - information about the winners
• New titles - browse here to find all our new books, DVDs, CDs and talking books

My Library Links

• Can’t find it? – request a item which you cannot find on the catalogue (chargeable service – see notes above
• Hertfordshire County Council - link to home page of the hertsdirect.org website (you can also reach this by clicking on the Hertfordshire logo
• Online enquiry service – ask a question, whenever and wherever you are
• Online Reference Library – access to a range of valuable information sources like the Dictionary of National Bibliography, Encyclopaedia Britannica and Groves Music Online
• Library addresses and opening hours – to find helpful information for a visit but always phone beforehand, if you are making a special visit to borrow or a use a particular item