IUCAT Unicode Upgrade FAQ's

Access to IUCAT and all circulation services have been restored as of Sunday, January 2, 2011. You may now renew or request delivery through IUCAT.

When is IUCAT going to be upgraded? At the end of this semester the Libraries’ are planning important enhancements to IUCAT (the Libraries’ catalog). The upgrade will take place between December 18, 2010 and January 3, 2011.

Why is IUCAT being upgraded? Unicode conversion and extensive post conversion re-indexing will be performed on the IUCAT database. Once the catalog is Unicode-compliant, IUCAT will be able to support the enhanced display and printing of cataloged records for the world’s alphabets, enable users to search by entering true symbols and characters, and support the ability to “copy and paste” information directly from IUCAT into other Unicode-compliant applications, such as MS Word.

Will the libraries be open during the upgrade? The IUB Libraries' hours are posted on each library's web site.

How will this affect my use of IUCAT? IUCAT will be available for your use while the upgrade is being completed. However, the circulation information will not be up-to-date. For example, IUCAT may indicate that an item is checked out but it may have been returned between December 18, 2010 and January 2, 2011 and the book may be on the shelves.

What if I can’t find something in the stacks? If IUCAT shows that an item is available and you cannot find it on the shelves, ask the library staff for assistance. Circulation information is not up-to-date so the item may have been checked out during the upgrade.

Can I use Request Delivery? The Request Delivery service will be unavailable from December 18, 2010 – January 3, 2011. Submit your Request Delivery requests as early as possible.

Can I request materials from the ALF? Yes, ALF requests can be made through IUCAT. You will be notified by email when the material is available for your use. Wells Library will be open more days than other libraries on campus. You may wish to consider retrieving ALF materials from Wells Library during the semester break.

Will it be possible to request materials through Interlibrary Loan? Yes, it will be possible for you to submit ILL requests. Remember other universities and colleges will also be open limited hours during the semester break and delivery of materials may be delayed.

Can I renew my materials? Yes, it will be possible for you to renew your materials in person, phone, email or on the renewal website. The “My Account” option will be unavailable during the upgrade.

In order to renew materials, you must be able to provide your user ID number (the bar code number on your ID), and the barcode for each item you wish to renew. If possible, please return materials that are no longer needed or renew your materials before December 17th.

I returned a book on Dec. 23 and IUCAT indicates it is checked out, why? It will not be possible to update the circulation information in IUCAT during the outage. On January 3, 2011 the circulation status will be updated. Returned materials will be checked in the date they are received in the library. The return date will be accurately reflected when the system is restarted.

Can I recall a book that is checked out? It will not be possible to recall an item that is charged out. Check the shelves even if IUCAT indicates an item is checked out. Accurate circulation status information may not be reflected in the catalog, the book you want may have been returned. Ask staff for further assistance.

Are electronic journals and books available? Yes, the links to electronic resources within IUCAT will work.

I have made lists of materials in the “My List” area of IUCAT. Will they be available to me over the break? No, the “My List” feature will not be available to you from December 19, 2010 – January 3, 2011.

If I have questions whom can I contact? Ask staff at your library if you have questions about the enhancement to IUCAT or the services available to you from December 18, 2010 – January 3, 2011. You may also send questions to: libopac@indiana.edu.