Press ReleaseIowa City Public Library Launches New Catalog


The Iowa City Public Library officially launched its new catalog on Tuesday, Oct. 26,  2021. The new catalog offers several enhancements to provide a tailored search experience to Library patrons. Library staff used patron feedback to build the catalog and created one of the few in-house catalogs in the nation. This is the community’s catalog, built specifically for Iowa City by dedicated ICPL staff.

“We are excited to introduce the new catalog after a long journey to tailor the search experience to the community’s interests and needs. Our goal is to continue to enhance the ways the community accesses their Library collection,” explained Sam Helmick, Community & Access Services Coordinator.

The new Library catalog provides:

  • Better spell-checking features.
  • More friendly navigation.
  • Simpler transitions between the catalog and digital books.
  • Mobile-friendly design.
  • Better "hold" system to reserve materials.
  • Improved account features.

The new catalog is accessible at search.icpl.org

The Library will host a Zoom presentation on Thursday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. to introduce the new catalog and to share search tips. 

Both the old and new catalogs will be accessible on ICPL's website through January 6, 2022. During this transition period, staff will continue to improve the new catalog to make the Library's collections more accessible to find, reserve, and borrow. Staff encourages patrons to try the new catalog and fill out the feedback form to share their thoughts. 

As always, patrons can call 319-356-5200 or go to icpl.org/ask for assistance.

The Iowa City Public Library is a center of community life that connects people of all ages with information, engages them with the world of ideas and with each other, and enriches the community by supporting learning, promoting literacy, and encouraging creativity.