MONTANA SHARED CATALOG AND PARTNERS

The Montana Shared Catalog (MSC) is a cooperative project involving public, school, academic, and special libraries that have pooled their resources to purchase a library automation system.  Members also enjoy the benefits of shared expertise and the ability to provide better service to library customers.

More than 350 librarians and staff members throughout Montana utilize this shared environment to catalog their collections, track journals and acquisitions, and provide a catalog for their patrons.  In November of 2000, the Polson City Library Board of Trustees decided to become a part of the Montana Shared Catalog and signed a contract in March, 2002. Polson City Library was a founding member of this project. 

A group of innovative Montana libraries, including North Lake County’s, has formed a collaboration called “Partners.”  This organization allows patrons to access the collections of all Partner Libraries, free of charge, through the Montana Shared Catalog. Patrons holding a valid library card can check out items and place holds on materials from any Partner Library, including Missoula, Kalispell, Hamilton, Anaconda, Miles City, Drummond and others.  A North Lake County Public Library card can be used at any Partner Library.  Items are delivered to North Lake County Public Library for pick-up.

SET UP AN ONLINE E-LIBRARY ACCOUNT

An online e-library account must initially be set up at the library.  Come to the circulation desk and ask a staff person to help you. You will need a PIN that is any combination of easily remembered numbers and letters six to ten characters in length.

After your account has been established, you will be able to browse the Montana Shared Catalog from the comfort of your home or any other computer.  You can place holds to order items you need, see what items you have checked out and when they are due, and renew your items.