To place a request an item from the Ventura County Library online catalog, follow these instructions:

1. After finding the item you want in the online catalog, click on the REQUEST ITEM button.

2. In the first box, type in your complete barcode number (from your library card.)

3. In the second box, type in the last four digits of your telephone number or your PIN number (if you have changed it from your telephone number.)

4. Click on the LOGIN box.

5. Select the pickup location.

6. Click on the REQUEST button to complete the request.

That's all there is to it! When the item becomes available for you at the requested location, you will be notified by mail or email (as long as your email address has been added to your account.)

To place a hold on an item from the California Catalog (CalCat), follow these instructions:

1. First, check for the item in our Ventura County Library Catalog. For help with your search, use our Catalog Searching Q & A. Remember, you can request items from other branches (see above) and have them delivered for pick-up at your local branch. If none of the Ventura County Library branches own the item you seek, proceed to #2 and search the California Catalog.

2. Search for your item in the California Catalog and request it through our interlibrary loan (ILL) system. Here's how:

• Start at our eLibrary page or simply click on the California Catalog link above.
• Click on the "California Libraries" (CalCat) button. You will need to enter your 14-digit VCL library card number and then will be directed into the CalCat catalog.
• Go to "My Account" and select "New User Registration" and register to use the service (optional)
• Conduct a search for your item(s) - when you find the item held by another library, in the "Detailed Record" click on the link "Borrow this item from another library (Interlibrary Loan)"
• Fill in all the fields required - please pay special attention to enter your phone number correctly. 
• Regarding the "Date Needed" field: give us a generous amount of time. We need to find a library 1) that owns the item, 2) is willing to loan it, and 3) where it is not checked out to another patron. Then, it comes through the U.S. mail. If you have a firm deadline, enter it. Please be aware we will discontinue our search when the date arrives.
• Under "Pickup Library" please enter the Ventura County Library location where you would like to pick up your items. Click SUBMIT
• You should receive a green check mark indicating your request has been placed.  You can click on the green check to send yourself an email confirmation of the successful request.
• Library staff will process your request from this point.  If you have registered an account, you can monitor your requests through My Account => Resource Sharing in the CalCat catalog.
  

3. If you are unable to find the item, staff at your local Ventura County Library can provide further assistance by locating the item or providing a "Suggest a Purchase" form.