Computer cards

Computer Card FAQs

Q: Do we have to check for a duplicate record before issuing a computer use card?

Yes. Please search for duplicate records before issuing any type of library card.

Q: Does the customer need to complete a Registration form?

        No. Printed registration forms are not required for computer use cards.

Q: Do we have to use the online template for computer use only?

Yes. Please use the appropriate online template for registering customers and then complete the Milcirc record by adding the permanent barcode.

Q: Do all the blanks have to be filled out?

It is recommended that the form be completed, but the only required fields are marked with an asterisk.

Q: Are youth required to present a current ID to register for computer use cards? 

No.  The policy requires the child’s name, date of birth, and school name.

Q: When a customer asks for their card number and has their ID, do we still give them the number?

YES, provided the customer can present a valid Photo ID (or in the case of a minor validate their account by verbally providing their DOB and school name) that can confirm their ownership of the account.

Q: Can Computer Cards be renewed?

Yes. Customers will need to have their computer card present and a valid photo ID (verbally confirm DOB and school name for youth) to verify all information is current.

Q: When do we charge for a replacement Computer Use card?

                When a card is reported lost or stolen. When a replacement card is issued.  This is an instance when staff members will want to take care regarding what they tell the customer.  If a customer reports that s/he needs a replacement card, the staff member may do best to say that we will be happy to issue a replacement for a $1.00 charge and not offer to just copy down the number for him/her.  Of course, if the customer asks to have the number written out and given, the staff member should do that.

HOLDS new way of looking at them

I have had several questions from staff trying to understand what they are seeing in Workflows when they look up a hold for a customer. 

              

·         If you look up a hold and it says “unavailable” this means that it is not yet on the hold shelf for the customer to pick up.  It does NOT mean that the item is missing or overdue or in some other status.

·         When you are using Display User Holds or Display Title Holds, once you pull up the title record, you can right click on the title and select “Display Item” and you can get more information about where that title actually is.

·         When you attempt to mark an item missing, the system will stop you if the item is actually in transit or on the hold shelf or some other status than “check shelf”.  For now, when you get this message, do NOT override.  Just cancel out of marking the item missing. 

·         Thanks to documentation from Mark Morrow, SirsiDynix identified a problem with the Clean Holds Shelf report.  It was placing cleared items on the shelf at the previous owning library instead of floating them in to the location where they had been on hold.  This is apparently a software problem.  As a temporary solution, the Clean Holds Shelf report will now put the item back in transit to its previous location so at least the system knows it is not on the shelf.

As you encounter problems or have questions, please be sure to document what is happening and then let us know.

Thanks,

Syma

Easy WiFi reset

If the Telecheck machine goes down.
Try calling Yi Kong  31414 to have him reboot the WiFi system.  He can do that from down town so we don't have to climb on a ladder.

FIXED: Overdrive issue with IE9

The following was an issue, but it has been fixed: 
Overdrive apparently made changes to their website recently that have made it impossible for customers to check out items if they are using Internet Explorer 9.  If you encounter customers with this problem, please ask them to use IE8, Google Chrome, or Firefox.  Overdrive is working on the problem but it may take a few days to correct.

Judith Hiott

  

Judith Hiott, Chief

Houston Area Library Automated Network

500 McKinney

Houston, TX  77002

832-393-1476

May 2012 Collier Computer Classes

May 5th: Digital Technology Basics (This course explains the various characteristics of new digital technologies. It explores how computers and technology are generating new career opportunities and changing the world in which we live.)
May 12th: Digital Audio (This course explains the various characteristics of digital audio. It describes the concepts of recording, copying, and converting digital audio. It also explores the features of advanced speech technologies.)
May 19th: MS Word 2007
May 26th: MS Access 2007

Handling non-HPL items returned to us

Hello all.

In order to ensure that all returned ILL items are properly checked in and returned to the right institutions, please send all non-HPL items you receive through your book drop and/or at the return desk to HPL’s ILL Department.  The ILL staff members will make sure that any items acquired through their system are properly checked in on Navigator and returned to the owning institutions.  Items they determine were not borrowed through them will be forwarded to Circulation Administration for return to the owning institution.  This includes Harris County Public Library items returned to your location.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Circulation Administration or HPL ILL. 

Thanks.

Fred Schumacher

Overdrive for Kindle

Courtesy of Sandy Farmer, we have a video demonstrating the use of Overdrive ebooks with a Kindle.