Online Library Card Registration | Update

Catalog/database computers now show a "Registration Location" dropdown menu. Customers can select the location where they are submitting the form. This will provide a better report of library card registrations by location. Note: this change only shows up on the catalog/database computers. All staff computers will still show the name of their location. Customers submitting the form outside the library will not see this change.

Please share with your staff.
Questions? Email me.
Saima

Mobile Hotspots

12 HPL locations have hotspots available for customers to check out! ACR, BLU, CAR, CEN, FLO, JOH, JUN, MAN, MOO, SMI, SWX and YOU. Checkout policies and procedures are available on the Training Portal on the Library Functions page under the Mobile Hotspot section.
Questions, please email Virtual Library Services.
Saima

Online Library Card Registration

Hello again,

Firstly, thank you for the feedback we received from your staff! We have already made some changes based on their questions.

Secondly, while we prepare staff training, an FAQ document has been added to the Training Portal (hover over Learning Resources tab then select Library Functions and look for MyLink Online Library Card): http://training.houstonlibrary.org/library-function

   

We are using two locations to pilot the project: Central and Jungman. Because our locations vary so much, we need to figure out a designated workstation (desktop or tablet) that will function as a library card registration spot. In most cases, it will be the catalog/database computer. Once we have gathered enough data and tweaked the form, we will have a better idea about a roll out plan. In the meantime, please continue to use the paper application form (except Central and Jungman). Of course, you are welcome to direct your customers to the online form. Already about 44 customers in Texas have registered online and the form’s been live less than 2 days!

A few reminders that are necessary for staff to know:

·         There is a built-in address verification however this may not always work so you may have to use the traditional method to verify address;

·         Form will recognize a duplicate;

·         Youth registrations will take place on-site (HPL location) only;

·         Check if customer is already using Overdrive; if yes, then proceed to submit the Overdrive merge account request;

·         This is what staff will need to do to update the user record in Workflows:

o   From the Circulation tab, under the Users group, use the Modify User wizard to update the user record:

§  User ID - replace it with the 77422… barcode number;

§  Library - change it from HOU-ONLINE to your location or customer’s preferred location;

§  Profile Name - change it from PUBLIC to one that applies to the customer;

§  Change History Rule: ask the customer if they want to keep a checkout history; then change it from circrule to allcharges; remind them to opt in when they log into the library account at home. Not changing it will NOT prevent the customer from checking out items or placing them on hold;

§  If customer agrees with device checkout policy, then change user cat2 to laptop-yes under the Demographics tab.

Please continue to send your questions and suggestions to Virtual Library Services (hplvirtuallibrary@houstontx.gov).

Please share this information with your staff.

Sincerely,

Saima

#letmelibrarianthatforyou

Looking for your best reference questions! F2F, email, TR, chat, walk up. We are interested in collecting these for a possible blogpost and/or social media use. Send them to Virtual Library.
Thanks,
Saima

Website Update

Web server needs to be restarted for a necessary update at 1:30 PM today. This will take 2-3 minutes. During this time, access to HPL website (houstonlibrary.org) may be slow.
Saima

Online Resources | Outstanding Issues

Digital Strategies staff is working towards resolving issues with Press Display accessibility and Overdrive and Lynda.com slowness. We appreciate your patience and assistance with library customers while we find a solution for these issues.
Saima

Change in IT Help Desk Hours

Hello, Digital Strategies is adjusting help desk hours to assist with providing coverage during peak hours.

Starting Monday, February 20th the Help Desk hours (832-393-1570) will be:
Monday-Thursday, 8:00am-7:00pm (after 7pm, call 713-742-3978)
Friday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm
Sunday, 1pm-5pm

Thanks,

Laurie