Professional Collection

Placing Holds on the SEMLS Professional Collection

The SAILS network online catalog houses our professional collection. You may search for SEMLS titles and place holds on them.

1. Go to http://www.sailsinc.orgclick on the SAILS ibistro catalog icon.
2. Login with the barcode number on your SEMLS issued SAILS library card. If you cannot find your PIN, call the SEMLS office. You must enter both a user ID and a PIN.
3. At the search screen, first choose Southeastern Mass. Library System from the list of library collections to search.
4. Type in the title or main keywords in your subject and click on Search Everything.
5. All the titles shown in the results list should be in the SEMLS Professional Collection.
6. Click Full Details next to the title or titles you wish to see.
7. At the screen for the title you chose, write down the call number shown. Our call numbers are usually slightly longer than other call numbers and they are the only way to distinguish SEMLS copies from other copies.
8. Click on the Hold Icon to place a hold.
9. At the Hold screen, the pickup location will be listed as Southeastern Mass. Library System. You must keep this pickup location unless you are a SAILS library. SEMLS will then send the item to your library.
10. You must select which copy you want if there are copies at other locations than SEMLS. Do Not Choose First Available Copy Unless SEMLS Is The Only Owning Library. You Must put a check by the copy with the SEMLS call number shown on the preceding screen to insure your hold is placed only for that copy.
11. Once you are sure the hold information is correct, click on Place Hold.
12. A confirmation message will appear with your library’s name and the information about the book you have just placed on hold.
13. You can return to your results list or start another search.

The SEMLS office will see your hold request the next business day and send you the book(s). You can return them in the same way they were delivered.