CatSearch

If you're looking for an item that isn't on the shelf at the moment, or even an item that we don't own, the CatSearch allows users to request items three different ways. You can place a Hold on an item, Order an item from another Montana academic library, or request the item be delivered through ILL (interlibrary loan).

Holds are requests for items owned by the MSU Library. Place a hold for pickup at the Service Desk, using these steps:

• In order to see the Place Holds option in CatSearch, you first need to sign in. Our system knows what items can be put on hold and who can place holds. 
  • Holds cannot be placed on non-circulating or material (for example, you cannot place a hold on a Reference item or any material located in our Special Collections)
  • Anyone (faculty, staff, students. or a community member with a Library card) can place holds

You can request items from another Montana academic library part of our borrowing system (Trails). Items may be ordered this way as long as MSU Library does not own the item or it's missing from our shelf.

• Sign in to CatSearch to see the 'order' option. By signing in to our system, we will be able to recognize what type of user you are to see if you are eligible to use this option. 
  • Only current MSU faculty, staff, and students may order items through this system.At this time, community members with a borrower's card to MSU Library cannot. 
  • Only physical items can be ordered between libraries using this option. 
  • The link to order an item will only appear once you're signed in to CatSearch and searching under the 'TRAILS' search scope

Request physical materials from libraries around Montana, the United States, and beyond using Interlibrary Loan (ILL), OR request digital copies of articles or book chapters owned by MSU Library.

• This option will show up to all users whether you're signed into CatSearch or not for online articles that we do not have access to
• It will show up for articles that we do not have electronic access to BUT that we own in print
• This service can only be used by current MSU faculty, students, and staff

• Placed Hold
  • ​Log in to your Library account through CatSearch using your NetID and password. 
• Order 
  • Log in to your Library account through CatSearch using your NetID and password. 

• Request It!
  • ​Navigate to the Library's homepage, select Request, select Request It!. Login with your NetID and password.