Online Catalogs FAQ's
Why are there two different catalogs?
Because the Carrboro Branch Library (CBL) is located in the McDougle Middle School Media Center, this location uses a catalog and circulation system shared with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School District rather than the catalog and circulation system used by other Orange County Public Library locations, including the Main Library and Cybrary.
How do I know which catalog to search?
- Main Library and Cybrary - If you plan to pick up your items at the Main Library in Hillsborough or the Carrboro Cybrary, you should start with the Orange County Public Library Catalog.
- Carrboro Branch - If you plan to pick up your items at the Carrboro Branch, you should start with the Carrboro Branch Library Catalog.
Do I need two separate cards?
No, you can use a single card at all OCPL library locations. If you register at the Carrboro Branch, we will automatically create a library account in both the Carrboro Branch and Main Library circulation system. Cards issued at other library locations can be activated for use at the Carrboro Branch Library.
Can I request items from either catalog?
If you have an OCPL library card, you can request items from any OCPL location; however, there are some requests that must be placed by contacting library staff directly.
- Main Library and Cybrary Pickup Locations
- Requests for Main Library and Cybrary titles can be placed directly from the online catalog.
- Requests for Carrboro Branch titles must be placed by contacting the library staff at (919) 245-2536.
- Carrboro Branch Pickup Location
- Requests for Carrboro Branch titles can be placed directly from the online catalog.
- Requests for Main Library and Cybrary titles must be placed by contacting the library staff at (919) 969-3006.
How do I know which online account to use?
- Main Library and Cybrary - If you checked out your items at the Main Library in Hillsborough or the Carrboro Cybrary, you should check your account through the Orange County Public Library Catalog.
- Carrboro Branch - If you checked out your items at the at the Carrboro Branch, you should check your account through the Carrboro Branch Library Catalog.