What is Commonwealth Catalog?

One Search. All Stacks.

Can't find what you're looking for in the SAILS Library Network? 

The Commonwealth Catalog broadens your search beyond our library's resources. In one easy step, you can search through millions of items at participating libraries throughout the state of Massachusetts. Make a request and it will be delivered right to your local library for pick up. You know what you want -- let the Commonwealth Catalog help you get it. 

Please search the SAILS Enterprise Catalog first. If the material you want is not available in the catalog, log into the Commonwealth Catalog to see if it has what you need. 


How to login to Commonwealth Catalog

1. Go to Commonwealth Catalog: https://www.commonwealthcatalog.org/?cid=massvc&lid=MASSVC
2. Click on "Hello User, Please Login"

Commonwealth catalog Main Page

3.  Select your library. If you do not select the library you are a member of you will not be able to successfully login. Then input your 16-digit library card number and your pin. Click submit. 
Commonwealth catalog image

Now you are logged in!


How to Search Commonwealth Catalog

Basic Search: Title, Author, Keyword, Subject, ISBN, etc.

You choose what works for you. This is really convienent in situations where you know the author's name, but not sure the title or if need a very specific title and you know the ISBN. All you need to do is click on the arrow and it will list the basic search options. Then you fill in the information you have and click on the magnifying glass. Commonwealth Catalog Basic Search

When you start typing in the search bar, you will be prompted with common searches based on your input. This is to help you find exactly what you are looking for. 
Commonwealth Catalog Basic Search

Once you reach your search results you will have options to further narrow your search on the left side of the page. If your search has provided exactly what you are looking for you can click on it to see if it is available to lend. 
Commonwealth Catalog Search Results

At this point it is very important you are logged in. If you are not logged in, there will be no prompt to place hold even if the item is available. (Instructions on how to long in are at the top of the page.)

To place Hold

Click on the item you are interested in. You will be brought to the details page. On that page you will see all the information there is to know about that item, including if it is available and from where. If it is available to loan, you will see a "Request this Item" button on the left side of the page in blue. Click it. Commonwealth Catalog Request Item image

At this point you will be prompted with information about the title and yourself. Confirm your information and the pick up location and then click submit. 

Commonwealth Catalog Submit Request Image


Did we miss something?


If you have a question we did not address, please send us an email at mfpl@sailsinc.org or call the library at 508-758-4171.