What is a Hold: To "Place a Hold" means to put yourself on the waiting list for an item. Patrons may place holds on an item currently on loan to another patron, or on an item that is on order or being processed; they will then be in line to borrow the item as soon as it becomes available.

To place a HOLD online

1. Select 'Library Catalog' in the navigation on the left side
   
   
2. Under the heading MY LIBRARY, select 'My Library Account'. You may also search the catalog without logging in and then log-in after finding the desired title.
   
   
3. Fill out the form by entering your name and your library card barcode number. Click SUBMIT
   
   
4. You are now logged in and will see 'MY RECORD'. Click on the SEARCH CATALOG button to begin searching.
   
   
5. You may search for your item by keyword, author, title, subject or call number. Use the drop down menu on the left to change the search index.
   
   
6. Choose which collection to search. We suggest using the drop down menu on the right and selecting 'Portsmouth Public Library' to limit your search to our collection.
   
   
7. Enter your search terms and press GO
   
   
8. A list of matching titles will display. This is the initial results list. Navigate by scrolling up or down or using the previous and next buttons to move back and forth. You may always return here by using the Back to Results List button.
   
   
9. Click on the title to see the location, call# and status. (If only one title matches your search you will be brought to this screen immediately.)
   
   
10. IF THE ITEM IS CHECKED OUT YOU MAY REQUEST IT. Look for a due date in the STATUS column. Items with the status of 'AVAILABLE' are on the shelf at the library and may not be requested.
    
    
11. To request the item, click on the REQUEST button at either the top or bottom of the screen. (If you have not already logged in, you will be asked for your name and library bar code number at this point)
    
    
12. You may choose to fill in the 'Cancel if not filled by: ' question if you have a date after which you no longer want the item. Or, you may choose not to fill it in and the system will keep your request active for 360 days.
    
    
13. The next screen tells you that your request 'was successful'. The Library Staff will notify you by email (if we have your email address on file) or by phone, when the item is ready for you. You may also check this from home by logging in under 'My Library Account'
    
    
14. Click on the New Search button if you have another item to request.
    
    
15. Log out (the button with the big red X) when you are done to protect the privacy of your account.

Other important information about requests

• Call the Library Staff with questions at anytime, 766-1700, or email info@lib.cityofportsmouth.com
  
  
• You must have a valid Portsmouth Public Library card to request an item. Please come to the library to apply for a card.
  
  
• Holds may only be placed on Portsmouth Public Library items.
  
  
• Holds may only be placed on items that are currently checked out.
  
  
• The option of placing a hold can still be done with 'Hold request cards' available at the library or by phone.
  
  
• The library will hold your title(s) for 3 days before passing it on to the next person in line.
  
  
• You may cancel a hold by going to 'My Library Account'. Once logged in, click on '# Requests (holds) outstanding'. Click on the box to the left of the title(s) you want to cancel. Click the Cancel Selected Holds button.
  
  
• These items may be reserved: Books, Magazines, Non-fiction DVD's and videos, Audio Recordings in either tape or CD format, children's computer software.
  
  
• These items may NOT be reserved: Popular films in either VHS or DVD format, Reference Books (In Library Use only) and Items in the Special Collections (In Library Use only)

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