Library Services

Telephone Renewal and Notification System (TRANSaction)

You can renew materials by phone and check your patron record 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on our automated system by calling (949) 855-8068 and follow the menu options.  Once you call the number, you will need your library card number and your personal PIN (last four digits of your telephone number).  You can do the following when you access TRANS:

Renew items on loan to you
List items on loan to you
Find out what items are being held for you and cancel a hold
Check your record for any overdue items or fines

TRANS will call you, or if you're not home, leave an answering machine message when an item is being held for you or when you have an overdue item.  Remember, you will not receive a printed notice if a message has been left on your machine.  If you wish not to be contacted by TRANS, visit the library and ask the Circulation Staff to change your patron record.

Internet Access to the Library Catalog

If you have a computer and access to the internet, you can browse the Library's catalog from your home.  You can access the catalog here.

Interlibrary Loan

If you cannot find the book you want at the Mission Viejo Library, library staff can search for the book at other libraries in California or out-of-state for $5.00 (fee increase effective July 1, 2003).

Patrons may request up to 5 items at a time and up to 25 items per year.

Place a Hold

If the Library owns the book you want to borrow but it is not available on your visit, simply place a hold on the item by selecting it in the computer and using your unique library barcode number.  This can be done using the catalog computers in the library.  If you want to place the item on hold from your home, visit the catalog here.

Holds may not be placed on non-circulating reference materials, or on entertainment DVDs and VHS videos.

Computer Access

Please refer to our Technology Center FAQs,  Internet Use Policy and Internet Use Guidelines.

Automated Resources

The Library subscribes to a variety of online databases including full-text magazine and newspaper indexes, two business and company databases including Reference USA, four literary databases including new poetry and reader's advisory resources, as well as a biography database.  All of these resources are now available remotely with a Mission Viejo Library card via the Library's website.  Please refer to our Online Databases page.
 
Our online library catalog also allows you to search for over 150,000 items, many of which are available for checkout.  You can also place hold requests on items, make bibliography lists, and check on your library account.  Click here to link to the online catalog.

Magazines & Newspapers

The Library has responded to the suggestions we have received for magazines and newspapers by adding many new subscriptions.  There are now over 180 magazine and newspaper titles for you to browse and enjoy. Click here to search our online catalog for magazine or newspaper titles.

On-Line Magazine Index

Find articles from newspapers, reference books, and periodicals, many with full-text and images. Find the latest current events, popular culture, business and industry coverage, the arts and sciences, sports, hobbies, and more. Click here to learn more about our databases or to start your search.

Equipment

The Library has expanded its equipment to better serve your needs.  You now have access to three copy machines including a color copier, two printers (including one with color capability), a fax machine, a vending machine with stationery supplies, and a change machine.  Microfilm and microfiche readers are also available.

Test Proctoring

$30 per test or exam.  The Library accepts cash, check or credit card.  The fee is payable at the time the exam is administered.  Fee covers staff receipt of test materials, notification of test taker, administration of test, submittal of completed test materials to the appropriate institution or agency. Please note that there is no online testing available.