Borrow From DCLS Collection

As a District Library Center, DCLS aims to make it as efficient as possible for libraries in our district to self-serve borrow from the DCLS collection.

Library Accounts:

Each library in the district has a patron account with a barcode and PIN.
If a district library has problems with their account they should contact June Weaver for assistance.

Privileges for District Libraries:

There are three borrower types for district libraries:

• distccls for libraries in Cumberland County
• distper for libraries in Perry County
• distdaco for Hershey and Middletown (the other public libraries in Dauphin County)

This borrower type does not accrue regular overdue fines, but fees for lost materials may be charged.

District libraries may borrow any circulating item that can be requested from the catalog.
Horizon will automatically reflect the correct due date for items loaned to district libraries:

• ALL videos and DVDs have a loan period of 14 days and canNOT be renewed.
• The loan period on ALL other circulating items is 28 days with an opportunity for one 21 day renewal.

Dealing with Overdue or Lost Items:

Libraries should manage their own borrower accounts online to maintain an accurate listing of what is currently checked out to them.

Libraries in the district can choose to receive email notification or can continue to get the standard print notices. Contact June Weaver to have your account preferences updated with an email address as needed.

Because DCLS is the District Library Center, district libraries are not charged for the first $50 worth of lost material they accumulate each year. A process will soon be in place to more regularly check the district loan accounts.

How to Place a Request from DCLS:

Step 1: Go to the DCLS online catalog at webpac.dcls.org and search for the item you would like to borrow.

Step 2: When you find it, select request item:

• Click on the larger Request Item icon button at the top of the page to get the first available copy. A “first available” request will be filled by the first library that owns the material that performs the pulls list task after the request is made. For most efficient service, always use first available unless you need a specific item.
• Click on the smaller Request Item icon next to a specific title will give you that specific copy. Use this option only to request a specific volume of a multi-volume set, such as one DVD from series or a specific issue of a periodical.

Step 3: Enter your library’s barcode and PIN number.

Step 4: Select a pick-up location from the drop down menu.

• If a copy is available, Checked In, please select that location as your pick-up location.
• If an item is Checked In at multiple locations, select any location that owns a copy that is Checked In; there is no preference of order.
• If all copies of an item are currently Checked Out, select any location that owns a copy; there is no preference of order.
• When in doubt, pick East Shore Area Library.

Note: Regardless of which library you select in this step, the item is identified as a district loan by staff when it is pulled from the shelves. It should be shipped via district delivery directly to your library.

How to Renew Materials borrowed from DCLS:

Use the My Account tab of the online catalog to log in to view the materials charged to your library’s account. You should select the boxes in front of items that you would like to renew and click on the button to renew selected. The new due date will display if the renewal was successful.

Understanding What Happens at DCLS:

• Branches print their pull lists each day and check the shelves to see if their library can fill the request.
• DCLS staff notice that the patron name is the name of a district library and will check the item out to the library barcode, note the date due, and prepare the item to be sent directly to the requesting library using a delivery slip.
• If you have not received an item designated as Checked In within 6 business days at your library location, please contact Carrie Haverman so DCLS can uncover why your request is delayed.