Frequently Asked Questions

Can I search all of the public library catalogs in Blair County at the same time?

You will be able to search 7 of the 8 library catalogs simultaneously. The Altoona catalog must be searched separately.

When I search the catalogs of the 7 libraries at one time, how will I know which item is held by which library?

The response to your search will be displayed in 7 different frames if you search all 7 catalogs at once.  If you search 3 catalogs simultaneously, you will see 3 frame responses.  Each frame is identified  by the name of the library it represents.

Why does the catalog at the Altoona Library look different than the other 7 catalogs?

The catalog software used by the Altoona Library is from a different company.  As with all software products, each company programs its software for a unique look and feel.

Why don't all 8 libraries use the same software?

The software used by the 7 smaller libraries is designed to meet the needs of school libraries and small public libraries and is priced accordingly.  The size of the Altoona Library collection requires more functionality and is more expensive.  The libraries each purchased the product that would best meet  their individual needs at the price they could afford to maintain.

I got my library card from the Williamsburg Public Library.  Do I need to an additional card from the Martinsburg Community Library to check out materials there? 

No, but you do have to register there. The 7 smaller libraries can actually use the same barcode number, so no need for a new card or a different number for each library.  You will need a different card number to check out at the Altoona Library because it uses a different catalog program.  So, if you register at all 8 libraries, you only need one card with two barcode numbers.

Why can't I just register at the Altoona Library and at one of the smaller libraries and be set to check out at any Blair County public library?

The catalog in each library is actually a separate database, housed within that library on a separate local area network.  Since databases are not shared, information on patron accounts are specific to each library.  In order to get your account information into each library patron database, you must provide that information at each library as you plan to use it. 

I live in Claysburg and saw a title I want to read in the Altoona Library catalog.  Do I have to drive to Altoona to check the book out or can the Altoona Library send it to me at home?

There are 3 options for getting the item you want.

• You can drive to the Altoona Library, locate the item on the shelf, and check it out.  If you have not yet registered at the Altoona Library, you will need to bring your Claysburg Library card and/or some form of identification which verifies your current Blair County residency.

• If you have previously registered at the Altoona Library and the catalog shows that the item you want is currently checked out, you can use your Altoona barcode number and PIN to place a "Hold" on the item. This can be done from  the Altoona Library Web catalog.  The Altoona Library will notify you when your name is at the top of the "Hold" list for that item. You will then have 3 days to drive to Altoona and pick up the item before it is passed on to the next person waiting or is put back on the shelf.

• You can use the InterLibrary Loan request form which is accessible from the "Search the Blair County Libraries" page on this Website. An Interlibrary Loan is a request by one library to borrow an item from  another library on your behalf.  You must identify your home library (Claysburg) and be registered as a patron there. You do not have to be registered at the Altoona Library in this case. Your request will go directly to the Claysburg Library e-mail inbox where the librarian there will follow up with the Altoona Library.  Items moving between Blair County libraries are delivered on a weekly basis each Wednesday. When the item arrives at the Claysburg Library, you will be notified that it is available to pick up at the Claysburg Library

I found the book I need in the Hollidaysburg Library catalog but I live in Roaring Spring. I don't want to wait for the InterLibrary Loan delivery to Roaring Spring since I'll be going to Altoona in 2 days and the delivery won't come for 4 days. Will the Hollidaysburg Library hold the book for me until I get there?

If you have already registered at the Hollidaysburg Library and have a barcode number entered in the Hollidaysburg Library database, you can use that number to request a "Hold" as a Hollidaysburg Library patron.  From the "Search the Blair County Libraries" page on this Website, select "Request a Hold".  Be sure to select the Hollidaysburg Library as the library at which you are registered, even though your home library is in Roaring Spring. This request will go to the Hollidaysburg Library e-mail inbox.  Library staff will locate the item and set it aside for you to pick up.  If you do not pick the item up within 3 days, it will be returned to the shelf for others to check out. 

I want to have a book held for me at the Altoona Library but Altoona is not a choice on the dropdown menu for "Holds".  What do I do now?

The Altoona Library Web catalog has a function which will allow registered patrons to place a "Hold" on an item that is currently checked out.  The other 7 library Web catalogs do not, therefore,  they require an e-mail request to the library in order to initiate the placement of a "Hold". Go directly to the Altoona Web catalog and locate the item you want to have  held for you.  Either select the item from a list by placing a check mark next to it, or select the item by clicking on the title to bring up it's catalog record.  Next, click on the blue "request" button near the top of the screen.  Select "Place an Immediate Hold".  The form before you has already identified the title you want from the record you selected.  Enter your Altoona Library barcode number and PIN.  You may use your social security number instead (Alternate Number), however, only if already registered as a patron. The PIN is necessary with either number.

What is the PIN ?

This is a special 4 digit code assigned by random number to every registered patron in the Altoona Library database.  The Circulation Desk staff will give you this code when you register.