If you have a favorite author or subject you perform in TOPCAT, you can save the search with the click of a button. This will prevent you from having to enter in the search each time, and it can help you place holds on new materials faster.

1. Log in to your library account using the My Library Account link found at the top of any TOPCAT screen.

2. Using the pull-down search tool found near the top of TOPCAT, enter your preferred search in the box and click the Search button.

3. You may limit your search (using the Limit/Sort Results button) by material type (e.g., book or DVD), by language, by publication year, etc. Or, you may use the Advanced Keyword search to enter a search including limits.

4. When your search results display, click the "Save as preferred search" button (SEE IMAGE TO THE RIGHT).

5.The next time that you log into your library account, you can click the "Preferred Searches" button to see a list of your saved searches. The Preferred Searches button is located at the top right when logged into your library account.

6. Click on the search link associated with any of your preferred search terms to quickly execute your search.

7. You can be alerted of new materials added to TOPCAT which match your preferred searches. Just check the "Mark for Email" box next to the correct search term, and be sure that your patron record information includes a current email address.

Contact the circulation department of your home library for more help. Email alerts are sent out at the beginning of each month. You will only get an email alert if new materials have been added to TOPCAT that month matching your preferred search terms.