Virtual Catalog to become Commonwealth Catalog

Massachusetts Virtual CatalogThe Massachusetts Virtual Catalog, the system that allows you to find and request materials from other library networks in Massachusetts, is migrating to a new system which will be called Commonwealth Catalog (ComCat).

What does this mean for users of the Virtual Catalog?

Here’s a timeline of key dates:

The last day to place requests in the current system is June 30.

Starting July 1 and for the remainder of the transition, you will need to fill out this form to request materials. The form has a link for you to log into the Virtual Catalog as a guest to find materials. The form will then be forwarded to staff who will process the request for you. This is what we call a point-to-point interlibrary loan request.

In August, you will still use the form to request materials, but the Commonwealth Catalog will be open for staff to process these requests.

Then in September, the Commonwealth Catalog will be open for you to find and request materials.

At first, the only libraries/library networks available in ComCat in addition to SAILS will be Bridgewater State University, FLO, MBLN, OCLN, and UMass Amherst. The remaining participants will be joining ComCat in mid-fall. Here’s a map with some more information about library networks in Massachusetts.

Let us know if you have any questions!