The shared electronic catalogue COBIB.MK is a common catalogue containing records of local e-catalogues of 40 libraries which are full valid members of the library and information system COBISS.MK. It contains more than 520,000 entries (January 2013) for all categories of library resources.

The web application COBISS/OPAC can help users to search the shared database and the local databases (e-catalogues) of all the library resources integrated in the system COBISS.MK.

The search of the shared electronic catalogue can be carried out in three ways:

• Basic search
• Optional search
• Command search

All of the three methods are applicable so you can choose the method based on your foreknowledge in searching catalogues in OPAC. Users with poor or no experience are recommended to use the basic or optional search. The third method is recommendable to advanced users who are familiar with the structure of the files in the e-catalogue and use prefixes and suffixes in the process of the search.

On the right side, each of the search methods is supported with brief instructions and explanations using examples that define the process of the search. Also, on the bottom of the page, there are useful links that will guide you to more detailed and specific assistance for the selected search method.

Additional information for the search can be found in the E-catalogue help menu.

In the searching process of the shared catalogue and reviewing the obtained results, under the requested record you will get a list of all libraries that contain the requested entry or publication, with the number of available copy and information on the lending policy. The click on a specific library title will result in displaying the publication data from the local e-catalogue of the library and data for all of the samples (signature and availability).

E-catalogue search: here