Can't find something in our collection? Maybe you need an item but all of our copies are already checked out. Using SearchOhio and OhioLINK you can borrow material from public and academic libraries around the State of Ohio. This service is free for library cardholders.
What are SearchOhio & OhioLINK?
SearchOhio is a consortium of Ohio public libraries. OhioLINK is a consortium of Ohio's college and university libraries and the State Library of Ohio. The OhioLINK collections will have an academic focus.
How do they work?
Cardholders may request books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs. If we don't have a title that you are looking for, click the SearchOhio button in the catalog or use the links above, to search other libraries. If another library owns the title, select the 'Request It/Request Item' button and follow the prompts to place a hold. Be sure to select Portage Library Consortium as your library. Kent Free Library will not be listed as an option. If no results appear in the SearchOhio catalog, click the OhioLINK button to search there.
Note that you will only see an icon to take you to the OhioLINK catalog after you have searched SearchOhio first. Titles must have an item listed as 'Available' to place a request.
What happens next?
Please allow 7-10 business days. Items requested on weekends may take longer. You will be notified via your preferred method (email, phone, or text message) when the item is ready to be picked up. Once notified, you have 7 days to check out the item.
How long is the loan period?
Most SearchOhio and OhioLINK items can be borrowed for 21 days. DVDs can be borrowed for 7 days. Be sure to note the due date(s) on your receipt.
Can items be renewed?
Yes, as long as there are no holds on the item. If there are no holds, you may renew SearchOhio and OhioLINK materials 3 times. Renewals cannot be done online using your account; please call the Borrower Services Department at 330.673.4414 option 2.
Are there overdue fines?
Please note that the overdue fines for SearchOhio and OhioLINK items are $0.50 per day. A replacement fee of $25.00 will be billed for any lost or damaged items.
Where do I return items borrowed from SearchOHIO & OhioLINK?
They can be returned to any library in Portage County. Library staff will return the items to the owning library.
What if it has been over 7-10 business days and I have not received a notice?
Call us at Kent Free Library to check on the status. Occasionally, the lending library cannot find an item and your request will be canceled by the owning library. We can also verify your contact information and notice preference settings to be sure they are current. You can add sirsi@hydra.sirsi.net to your address book so email messages do not go to your spam folder.
Common issues in the SearchOhio & OhioLINK catalogs
When a Hold cannot be place, you will see one of the following messages:
Cannot request items that are available at your institution
If there is a copy of a title in Portage County, you cannot request the item through Search Ohio. Search for the title in our catalog and request the item locally.
Sorry, your ID number is not valid
You may have entered your library of affiliation or the barcode incorrectly. Select 'Portage Library Consortium' as your library, enter only your last name, and type the barcode with no spaces.
Problem with your record at your institution.
You must have less than $10 in fines on your account and/or no billed items. You are limited to 25 total items on hold on your card. Check your account to view your fines and holds.
What if I have questions or problems?
Contact us by phone at 330.673-4414 or email.