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Why am I having trouble using the Catalog or My Account?

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The Minuteman Library Network (MLN) Catalog is designed to work with modern web browsers supporting current web standards.In particular, the following web browsers are supported:

Click the links above to go to the software company's information or download page for the specific browser. Most of the above are available for free download, but the files are rather large so it may not be feasible to download over a modem connection. In that case, it may be possible to order a copy on CD-ROM for a small fee.

Although Apple's Safari browser, included on newer Macintosh computers, is not listed above, we have heard that some people are using it successfully with the MLN catalog.

AOL's Browser

AOL's web browser is known to have difficulties with My Account. However, many people just use AOL as an Internet Service Provider; they use another web browser to do their web surfing. AOL's Web Browser is great if you use AOL's special content, chat rooms, etc., but other more generic browsers work better for many web sites. Here's how to use another web browser with AOL:

  1. Use AOL to connect to the Internet (if you use a modem and phone-line or other on-demand connection method)
  2. Minimize the AOL browser window or just leave it running in the background to maintain your connection
  3. Open another browser, such as Internet Explorer (included on Windows computers and available from the Start Menu or the Desktop) or Safari (included on most Apple Macintosh computers)
  4. Use the other browser to search the MLN catalog by opening the address or location: http://library.minlib.net/search/ .

Our Software Vendor's Statement on Supported Web Browsers

MLN leases its library system software, including the web catalog, from a company called Innovative Interfaces Inc. (III). Here is III's position on web browsers:

  • Innovative recommends using a modern browser capable of supporting current web standards. Such browsers include, among others, Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 and higher for Windows; Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 and higher for Macintosh; Mozilla 1.0 and higher;Netscape Navigator 6.1 and higher; and Opera Software's Opera 7 browser.
  • Though you can use some older browsers, use of a modern browser will help you take advantage of all the capabilities for sophisticated presentation and functionality found in powerful web-based applications such as Innovative's Millennium Web OPAC.
  • Specifically, Innovative recommends you use a browser which supports HTML and XHTML, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), ECMAScript (the standard behind scripting languages like JavaScript), and the W3C Document Object Model (DOM). Any of the modern browsers listed above provide at least base level support for these standards and will improve your browsing experience in the Web OPAC and beyond.

Other Tips for Using the Catalog

Don't forget to check out Minuteman Catalog Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)for tips on using the catalog.