A presentation on how to use an online library catalog.

1. Kankakee Public Library
A Deeper Look at the Online Catalog

2. Bibliographic Information
Kankakee Public Library’s (KPL) online catalog/PrairieCat. <https://prcat.na2.iiivega.com/>
PrarieCat is an online bibliography/electronic reference database.
◦ It can be accessed from the KPL home page
<https://www.lions-online.org/ >
◦ Then by clicking on the yellow browse button.

3. How to Access/Step by Step Instructions
Patron must have library card for full access.
Login is library card number.
Pin is last 4 digits of library card number.
Alternate ID can be left blank.

4. How to Access/Step by Step Instructions
Cont.
Once logged in, users can search typing into the search tab, or by content already curated (New
Adult Fiction is one curated collection).

5. How to Access/Step by Step Instructions
Cont.
Other curated collections include….

6. How to Access/Step by Step Instructions
Cont.
Once selection is made, user then has the option to place a hold.

7. How to Access/Step by Step Instructions
Cont.
User confirms location to be picked up
Can change place of pickup
Must confirm location

8. Ways the Resource Can Be Used
The online catalog is a visual representation of the resources available to library patrons.
Materials are available in print and electronic format.
It can be used to search for print and online materials that can be ordered from the
library/other libraries within the library network.
Holds can be placed for patrons to retrieve from the library once pulled/delivered from another
participating library.

9. Questions That Could be Asked About
the Online Catalog
Who is the audience?
◦ Anyone with a library card.
Is the resource accessible?
◦ Online catalogs are not always the most user friendly source. With a bit of instruction, the online
catalog is a great resource.
What would user need to know?
◦ Library card number
◦ General catalog search techniques
◦ What library they would like to pick up from, if placing item on hold

10. Questions That Could be Asked About
the Online Catalog Cont.
Why use?
◦ The online catalog allows for browsing from anywhere.
◦ The online catalog provides opportunity for users to have access to materials from the library and other
libraries in the network.
◦ Some popular items may take a long time to find by in person browsing, the catalog allows for items to
be ordered.

11. Closing
This presentation was created to assist users in using PrairieCat, the Kankakee Public Library’s
online catalog. If questions arise, please contact Kelly Costanza at Kelly-costanza@ksd111.org for
more information.
Thank you for viewing.

12. Resources
https://www.lions-online.org/
https://prcat.na2.iiivega.com/
By: Kelly Costanza