What is the Massachusetts Virtual Catalog (MAVC)?
The MAVC is a library service that allows users to search the catalogs of many Massachusetts libraries and request items not owned by UMass Lowell University Libraries to be delivered to either O'Leary Library or Lydon Library. Material may be borrowed for 28 days. Renewals are not allowed. There is a replacement charge of $160 for lost Virtual Catalog items. The Massachusetts Statewide Virtual Catalog includes the holdings of most of the public libraries in Massachusetts as well as most of the State and Community Colleges. It also includes the holdings of the Fenway Libraries Online. The Fenway Libraries Online are:
- Emerson College
- Emmanuel College
- Lesley University and the Art Institute of Boston
- Massachusetts College of Art
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Museum of Fine Arts and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts
- New England Conservatory
- University of Massachusetts Boston
- Wentworth Institute of Technology
- Wheelock College
What libraries are involved with the Virtual Catalog?
The Massachusetts Statewide Virtual Catalog is comprised of several library networks in Massachusetts, the Minuteman Library Network, the Metro-Boston Library Network, NOBLE - the North of Boston Library Exchange, the Old Colony Library Network, the SAILS Library Network, and C/W Mars Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing, Inc. There are well over 100 public libraries in the MAVC. There are also many college libraries invloved in the MAVC. UMass Lowell, UMass Boston, UMass Dartmouth and most of the Massachusetts state and community colleges participate as do the Fenway Libraries Online (FLO). These libraries are:
- Emerson College
- Emmanuel College
- Lesley University and the Art Institute of Boston
- Massachusetts College of Art
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Museum of Fine Arts and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts
- New England Conservatory
- University of Massachusetts Boston
- Wentworth Institute of Technology
- Wheelock College
Why should I use the MAVC?
The libraries involved in the MAVC use a state-wide delivery service that enables us to receive material more quickly than regular mail allows.
One of the benefits of sharing a Virtual Catalog with the public libraries is that the public libraries purchase different materials than academic libraries like O'Leary and Lydon libraries here at UML do. In general, public libraries' collections are rich in fiction, especially current, popular fiction, and nonfiction aimed at a general reader.
How do I use the Virtual Catalog?
For a tutorial on using the Virtual Catalog, click here.
To begin searching immediately:
Click here for the Massachusetts Virtual Catalog Patron Login
Who may use the Virtual Catalogs?
Anyone may search the Virtual Catalogs by logging into the system as a
guest.
UMass Lowell faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students may
request books from other libraries via The Virtual Catalog provided that
they have a valid library borrowing number. For most people this will be
the 16 digit number located on their IDs or Special Borrower cards. For
others, the number will begin with the letter code SBN or SBS. Library
users who have overdue items or unpaid fines on their records may search,
but may not request material using the Virtual Catalog.
When should I use a Virtual Catalog?
A Virtual Catalog should be used when you know the title or author of the book you want and have already determined that it is not available at either O’Leary or Lydon Library.
If you are unsure if the Virtual Catalog is an appropriate tool for your research or have questions about how to use it, please feel free to ask a librarian for help.
How long may I keep items borrowed through the Virtual Catalogs?
Items may be borrowed for 28 days.
May I renew items borrowed through the Virtual Catalog?
No, items borrowed through the Virtual Catalog may not be renewed.
How long does it take to get something through the Massachusetts Virtual Catalog?
If the item is available immediately, it generally takes 5-10 days to arrive at UMass Lowell.
Can I get journal articles through the Virtual Catalog?
No, journal articles are not available through the MAVC. Please
use the
Libraries' Electronic Databases to find articles. Many are
available in full text immediately.
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