TO ACCESS YOUR LIBRARY ACCOUNT
1. Go to the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library website: www.blrlibrary.org
2. Click “Account Login” located at the top right side of the screen. At the next screen, click “My Account” located at the top right side of the screen.
3. In the “Log in to Your Account” box type the 14 digit number from your Barry-Lawrence Regional Library card. You must type in all 14 numbers to access your account. In the “PIN” box type in your PIN number (last four digits of your library card number).
4. Click “Log In” and you will have access to your account.
5. Note: If the library card number or PIN number are typed incorrectly you will receive a message that the login has failed. If this happens you will need to re-enter the information. If you still cannot access your account after the second attempt please call your branch library for assistance.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH “MY ACCOUNT”?
· Account Information—If your e-mail address changes, or if you wish to change your Username or Password, you may update your information by clicking “Account Preferences” tab then click “change” next to the information your wish to update. Follow the prompts to submit the changes.
o Providing an e-mail address allows the library to automatically notify you by e-mail two days before any library item(s) becomes overdue. This gives you an opportunity to renew your items online so they won’t be overdue if you can’t return them on time. If you have placed a hold request for an item(s) we also use the e-mail address to automatically notify you when the item has been received at your home branch.
· Library PIN—The last four digits of your library card are your assigned PIN number. Don’t forget to note your new PIN number.
· Renewals—You may renew items that you currently have checked out. Two renewals are allowed per item, except for DVDs. DVDs are restricted to one two-week loan period per item. If you encounter problems with the renewal process, please call your branch library for assistance.
o To renew your items click the “Items Checked Out” tab.
o Check the box next to the items to be renewed, make sure the “Renew Selected Titles” is showing in the dropdown, then click the “Go” button. You may renew each individual item or all items.
o You will only have the option to renew items that are available for renewal.
· Bills—Any outstanding amount that is owed is listed in the “Account Summary” tab towards the bottom of the screen in the “Charges” tab. The Payments tab lists a history of recent payments.
· List of Items on Your Card—If you would like to know what you currently have checked out on your card click the “Account Summary” or “Items Checked Out” tab. The “Account Summary” lists the expiration date for the account, items currently out, items currently on hold, and items ready for pickup.
· Holds—Click on “Holds” tab to see the status of items that you have placed on hold.
HOW DO I PLACE A HOLD ON AN ITEM I WANT TO BORROW?
1. Go to the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library website: www.blrlibrary.org
2. Click the “Search Catalog” button located towards the top right of the page.
3. Type in Title, Author, Keyword, or Subject in the “Search” box. Then click “Search”. This will take you to the online catalog screen. Depending on what you are searching for this will bring up one or more titles.
4. Click on desired title—you must select a specific title to place a hold and to see which branch(es) own the title and its status.
a. Checked In—means the title is not checked out and should be on the shelf.
b. Checked Out—shows the due date for the item.
c. On Hold—indicates the item is on “hold” for another borrower.
d. Overdue—shows the date that the title is due back to the library.
e. In Transit—indicates any item that is in transit from one branch to another.
f. In Processing—indicates a new item that is not on the shelf yet.
g. Lost—indicates that an item is long overdue.
5. To place a hold on your selection click “Place Hold”. You should be able to place a hold on any item regardless of the status. Remember that items that are “Lost” (long overdue) are not readily available. If you have any questions call you branch library for assistance.
6. If you haven’t already logged onto “My Account” you will get a “Log in to Your Account” pop up box. Enter your 14 digit library card number in the “Use Your Library Card/ID” box and your 4 digit PIN number in the “PIN” box and click “Log In”.
7. At the “Place Hold” screen verify or change pickup location and select how to be notified when hold is ready for pickup:
a. Click “Submit”. If the hold is successful you will see a message “Hold Was Successfully Placed”.
b. You can check on the status of your hold online in your “Account Summary” tab or the “Holds” tab when signed into your account. If there is a waiting list for the item it will tell you what hold number you are and the number copies the library has of that item”.
c. If your card is blocked for any reason or you are unable to place a hold on any item please call your branch library for further assistance.
8. You may place up to 10 holds per library card.
9. You do not have to place a hold/reserve on an item online through the catalog. You may also call the owning branch or your branch location for assistance in placing holds.
HOW DO I CANCEL A HOLD?
1. Go to the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library website: www.blrlibrary.org
2. Click “My Account”.
3. Enter your 14 digit library card number and your 4 digit PIN number and click “Log In”.
4. Click the “Holds” tab to see the status of items that you have placed on hold.
5. Check the box next to the item that you no longer wish to have on hold. In the “Actions for Selected Holds” dropdown, select “Cancel” and Click “Go”. Your hold is now cancelled. Note: If you have any problems cancelling a hold, please call your branch library for further assistance.
9/30/2020 GM Policies and Procedures—Section 4.34 Holds—4.34A
