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  • Writer's pictureAlaina

How to Request Materials Online


Looking to request an item from our library or another library in the state? No problem - all you need is an active library card and access to a computer.

Please note - you must have a 14-digit barcode on your library card in order to request materials.


To request materials:

1. Start out by visiting our catalog at mils.maine.edu


2. You'll see a search box in the center of the page that is already set to search by "keyword" in the Berwick Public Library collection. You can use the drop down menus to change these options in order to search by options like title or author, or to select "View Entire Collection" to see materials available for request from other libraries around the state. Once you've chosen your settings, enter your search terms and hit submit. HELPFUL TIP: Keyword is the most forgiving search option (especially if you're unsure of spelling) and will often bring you back the most results.


3. Once you find an item that interests you in the search results, click on it to learn more about that title. If you decide it's an item you'd like to request, click on "Request", which is the first button on the left over the search bar and has a red check mark next to it.


4. The next screen will ask you to enter your name and library card number. Your full name is not needed - you can use just your first or last name if you want. A confirmation page will open telling you the request has been successful and the item will be sent to Berwick Public Library as soon as it's available. When your item arrives, you will receive a notification that it is ready to be picked up.




There are many other great features to MILS that can utilize as well. If you find a book that you'd like to read but aren't ready to request it just yet, click the "Add to My Lists" button, which is located next to the "Request" button. From there, you can create any lists that you want (such as "Books I want to read") and add items that interest you.

MILS also allows you to keep track of your reading history. If you ever found yourself wondering, "Have I read this before?", the reading history feature is especially useful. To access it, click on "My Library Account" in the top right of the screen (if you are already logged it, it might say "Return to Your Record" instead). If you have requested items from other libraries, this page will let you know their current status. Using the options on the left-hand side of the page, you can also view and renew currently checked-out items, update your email address and notification preferences under "modify personal information", view your reading history (starting from the end of November 2016 when we joined MILS), and view any lists you've made.

Still having trouble navigating in MILS? Let us know!

Happy reading!

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