# Navigating the Library Catalogue – OPAC

<div id="bkmrk-overview-%F0%9F%93%9A%C2%A0%C2%A0a-step-b" style="background: #f6f4fc; border-left: 5px solid #d19c2c; padding: 16px 22px; margin: 0 0 22px;"><div style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: 0.11em; text-transform: uppercase; color: #51506e; margin-bottom: 8px;">Overview</div><div style="color: #444444;">📚 A step-by-step guide on how to access and use the Library Catalogue (OPAC).</div></div><div id="bkmrk-what-you%27ll-learn-%E2%9C%93%C2%A0" style="background: #fbf8f1; border: 1px solid #f0e6cf; border-left: 6px solid #d19c2c; border-radius: 8px; padding: 18px 24px; margin: 22px 0;"><div style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: 0.11em; text-transform: uppercase; color: #c52127; margin-bottom: 14px;">What you'll learn</div><div style="color: #444444; line-height: 2;"><span style="color: #d19c2c; font-weight: bold;">✓</span> Open the OPAC using a computer or mobile device.  
<span style="color: #d19c2c; font-weight: bold;">✓</span> Search for books and other library resources.  
<span style="color: #d19c2c; font-weight: bold;">✓</span> Check the availability and location of a resource.  
<span style="color: #d19c2c; font-weight: bold;">✓</span> Log in to your library account to manage your loans.</div></div>## <span data-b="1" style="color: rgb(197, 33, 39);">Accessing and Using the Library Catalogue – OPAC</span>

### <span data-b="1" style="color: rgb(81, 80, 110);">1. Access the OPAC</span>

- Open the Library OPAC using a computer or mobile device.
- Access it through the Library website: [https://tangaza.ac.ke/library/](https://tangaza.ac.ke/library/)
- Or directly by typing: [https://opac.tangaza.ac.ke/](https://opac.tangaza.ac.ke/)

### <span data-b="1" style="color: rgb(81, 80, 110);">2. Search for a Resource</span>

- Enter a title, author, subject or keyword in the search box at the top of the page.
- Click on the Search icon.
- Use the filters provided such as Author, Subject, Item Type, holding library or Publication Date to refine and narrow your results.

<p class="callout info">Note: You do not need to log in to search for library resources.</p>

### <span data-b="1" style="color: rgb(81, 80, 110);">3. Check the Book, Journal or Other Item Details</span>

From the search results, click on the title in red to view:

- **Title &amp; Author** – confirms the book you need.
- **Call Number** – tells you where to find the book on the shelf.
- **Library / Location** – shows which library holds the item.
- **Availability** – shows whether the book is available or borrowed.

### <span data-b="1" style="color: rgb(81, 80, 110);">4. Locate the Book, Journal, etc.</span>

- **For a book:** write down the call number and library location, then use these details to find the item on the shelves.
- **For a journal:** write down the title, series, and description, then use these details to find the item on the shelves.

<p class="callout info">Note: The icons next to the search results indicate the type of resource, for example: 📖 Book | 📰 Journal | 💻 E-book | 📄 Thesis</p>

### <span data-b="1" style="color: rgb(81, 80, 110);">5. Log in to Your Library Account</span>

<div id="bkmrk-username-%2F-card-numb" style="background: #fbf8f1; border: 1px solid #f0e6cf; border-left: 6px solid #d19c2c; padding: 16px 22px; margin: 20px 0;"><div style="color: #444444; margin: 5px 0;">**Username / Card Number:** Your TU Registration Number</div><div style="color: #444444; margin: 5px 0;">**Temporary Password:** Tangaza@123456</div></div>Log in to your library account through the OPAC to:

- View borrowed items
- Check due dates
- Renew items
- View holds / reservations
- Check library fines
- Manage your account

<p class="callout warning">**Important:** Change your temporary password after your first login and keep your login details private.</p>