OCLS Online Catalog Book Lookup
The OCLS Online Catalog Book Lookup is a bookmarklet (a Java applet that can be added to an Internet browser). The applet, when run, will search the current URL for an ISBN, and open up the library online catalog. The applet will automatically search the catalog. If it finds the ISBN, a new window will open showing the title in the catalog.
Adding the Bookmarklet to the Browser
Using the Bookmarklet
FAQ - OCLS Online Catalog Book Lookup
Note: Currently, the bookmarklet works best when looking up books. Due to the non-uniform cataloging of visual and audio media (DVDs, CDs, etc.), the bookmarklet will not work reliably when searching these formats.
Adding the Bookmarklet
To add the bookmarklet to the browser:
1. Right-click on the link below.
2. Select Add to Favorites... (Internet Explorer) or Bookmark this link... (Netscape/Mozilla)
This will place a link in Favorites (or Bookmarks). This link is the bookmarklet.
Note: To verify this, select Favorites (or Bookmarks). There should be a link that reads
"OCLS Online Catalog Book Lookup".
If you are having problems with this, please see our FAQ below.
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Using the Bookmarklet
Use the bookmarklet when browsing a site such as Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, or other bookseller sites.
When you find a title that you want,
- Make sure you are on the web page displaying only that title.
- Go to Favorites or Bookmarks and select the bookmarklet link.
This will open up a new window and display the title in our library catalog (if we own it). If we do not own it, a new window should appear stating "no matches found". From here, you can request the title.
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FAQ - OCLS Library Catalog Book Lookup
When I try to add the bookmarklet, I get a warning message that says "You are adding a favorite that may not be safe. Do you want to continue?"
Go ahead and select "Yes". The browser expects to see a normal URL. When it sees that you are trying to bookmark Java coding, which it doesn't recognize, it will generate the warning message.
When I use the bookmarklet, nothing happens.
Check and make sure that any pop-up blockers have been turned off. Even if the library does not own the item, a new window should appear stating "no matches found".
I'm not sure if I'm on the right web page to use the bookmarklet.
On a website such as Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com, after browsing or performing a search, the results will appear in a list. Select the title you would like to request. This will open a web page with detailed information on the title. This is the page where you will use the bookmarklet.
I found a title, and I know the library owns it, but when I use the bookmarklet, it doesn't find it.
First, check to see if you are looking at the same edition of the title that the library owns. Different editions of the same title may have unique ISBNs, so while the library may not own that particular edition, the library may own the title in a different edition. Try another edition of the title on the bookseller site, or do a title search in our catalog.
I'm trying to find a DVD (or CD), and it's not working. Why?
Unfortunately, the bookmarklet will not work when looking for most DVDs or CDs. This is because they do not use the standard ISBNs that books use, which is what the bookmarklet searches.
If you have further questions or comments, please contact the Help Desk.
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