Frequently asked questions:

What is Search Ohio?
If you have searched our library catalog but can't find what you need, you now have access to the Search Ohio catalog. The Search Ohio catalog gives you access to over three million items through a partnership of Ohio public libraries. Search Ohio partners include: the Portage Library Consortium (Portage County District Library, Kent Free Library, Reed Memorial Library), Cuyahoga County Public Library, Cuyahoga Falls Public Library, Greene County Public Library, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, Warren-Trumbull Public Library, Westerville Public Library, Youngstown-Mahoning County Public Library, and others to follow. 

What types of items can be requested?
Request books, CDs, DVDs, videos, and more!

How long can I keep the items?
Generally, books and other print items are checked out for 21 days and DVDs are checked out for 7 days. The loan period for other items is determined by the owning libraries.  All items are renewable if no one else is waiting for the same title.

Do I have to pay to borrow items?
This is a free service brought to Portage County residents by the Portage Library Consortium. Overdue fines are 50-cents per day, per item. A non-negotiable replacement charge of $25 has been set by the Search Ohio consortium for any lost or damaged items. Fines and charges cannot be negotiated and there are no exemptions. To avoid charges, renew and return materials on time.

How long does it take to receive my requests?
Available items generally take about three or four days to get to your pickup location. You will be notified that the item is ready for pickup in the same way you are currently notified, via e-mail, phone, or the mail. Your items will remain on the holdshelf for five days.

Are there any restrictions?
Fines and fees on your library card must be under $10.00.
You may not have more than 15 holds.
The system will only accept holds on items that are currently available to be checked out.

How do I get to the Search Ohio catalog?
Begin by searching the Portage Library Consortium's online catalog. If you see the message "Your entry #### would be here" the Portage County libraries do not own a copy. Click the Search Ohio button at the top or bottom of that page. The catalogs of all the partner libraries will be searched. You will see a record for the item you searched or a list of similar titles. Click on the title of the item you wish to request.

If you start by logging into your record first, you will still see the Search Ohio button when you search our catalog.

You have the record for the item you wish to request. Now what?
Locate two links on the record: "# libraries have this item" and "Request This Item." To see the libraries that own the item, click the first link. To request the item, click the second link.

You've clicked "Request This Item"...
If you click "Request This Item" and there are no available copies for checkout, you will receive the message "Sorry, no copies available for requests." First, check to make sure all the copies are not listed as non-requestable. If there are requestable copies, but they are all checked out you should try to request the item at another time.

If one or more libraries will lend the item, you will be asked to select your library from the drop-down list. Choose "Portage County DL" and click the submit button.  NOTE: If this does not work, then choose either "Kent Free Lib" or "Reed Memorial Lib".

Authentication...
After choosing the library you will need to enter a few more pieces of information to authenticate and finalize your request. First, enter your name in the first box. Next, type your library card number in the second box. Then, select your pickup location from the drop-down list. Finally, click the submit button. You should receive a message letting you know that your request was successful.

How do I return my items?
Return your items at any Portage County library or Library Express book return. The library will send them back to the proper library. Do not remove stickers on the items borrowed from Search Ohio as these labels help us return the items to the owning library.

Does Search Ohio take the place of interlibrary loan services?                                    If you cannot find the title you want in the Search Ohio catalog, you can still visit the reference desk and request a title through interlibrary loan.  However, we ask that you check Search Ohio first.