TRAILS Resource Sharing through CatSearch

MSU Library belongs to TRAILS (Treasure State Academic Information & Library Services), a consortium of 23 Montana academic libraries working together to share resources. Most of the TRAILS libraries use the same discovery layer (catalog) so you are able to request to borrow print materials from them directly through CatSearch. 

All items borrowed through TRAILS Resource Sharing have a checkout period of 90 days with no renewals.

How does it work?

If a book or other requestable physical item from another library shows up in CatSearch that isn't readily available at MSU Library, you can request to borrow the item and it will be sent here for you to pick up and checkout just like you would any other item from the library. It usually takes about 3-5 business days for an item to arrive at MSU Library.

Here is an example. Search for the book, Forest Cats of North America: Cougars, Bobcats, Lynx, in CatSearch and select 'Check holdings': 

Screenshot of a book record in CatSearch

If MSU Library does not have a copy of the item, you' will need to sign into your Library account to see if another library in TRAILS has the item available and to see the 'Request to Borrow' link (only patrons who have signed in will see this link):

Screenshot of the lanuage that tells users to sign into their Library account.

Screenshot of a book that is available to borrow from the University of Western.

Verify that all the information on the form is correct, and select 'Request to Borrow':

Screenshot of resource sharing request form

You can view items that you've requested to borrow in your Library account. You will be notified via email when the item is ready to pickup at the Library's Service Desk. If you do not receive an email, try checking your junk or spam folders to see if the email was sent there. 

Who can request items through this system?

At this time, only current MSU students, staff, and faculty can request to borrow items from other TRAILS libraries through CatSearch.

Distance Users:

If you live further than 60 miles away from the MSU Library, requested items can be mailed to you. They will include a postage paid return mailing label so that you can simply mail the item back when you are done using it.

Please Note: 

  • Materials borrowed through resource sharing are non-renewable
  • Items will be checked out to you for a total of 90 days, including the days it takes to arrive at MSU Library from the lending library
  • There is not a limit on the number of items you can request through resource sharing