Frequently Asked Questions - Catalog System

How can the library notify me of overdue items and requests?

To receive notices about overdues and requests, please be sure the library has your current email address. If you need to add or change your email address, go to "My Account" by clicking the big orange button at the top right of this page. Log in to your library account with your library card number and PIN, then go to the "Account Preferences" tab. You can change your email address under "Personal Information" by clicking the "Change" link to the right of the email address field.

For information about your PIN number, see "What is my PIN" below. For more information, tutorials for using your library account, search tips, and more, visit the Catalog and My Account Tutorials page.

What is the best way to receive notices and renew items?

Using email notification saves the library money and you will get the information you need in a timely way. Users with email addresses will get a pre-due notice 3 days before an item is due, and they will also get a reminder notice before a requested item is pulled off the holds shelf. Email noticing is cost effective, faster, and offers more features.

Library users who choose written notices will have notices about requests mailed to them. They will not receive reminders about overdue materials and will only get mailed notices when items are already overdue by 14 days and later, 28 days.

Can I check out items from one branch library and return them to another branch?

Yes, items can be returned to any SCPL branch library. (Watsonville is a separate library system.)

Can I renew an item that I don't have with me?

Yes, as long as there is no outstanding request on the item or over $9.99 in fines on your account.

Can I see a list of everything that I've checked out?

You can opt in and start saving such a list by logging into your account, selecting the "Account Preferences" tab and then the smaller "Search Preferences" tab. Check the "Keep history of checked out items" box and save your changes. Note that this will not record any items that you currently have checked out (or that you had previously checked out), but will begin with any items you check out after having made this change.

Every time I request an item it defaults to a certain branch library. How can I change that to another branch?

Log into your account and click the "Account Preferences" tab, then the smaller "Search Preferences" tab. Select the desired branch from the "Preferred pickup location" dropdown menu and save your changes.

How can I get a list of all the audiobooks on CD?

Click on the "Advanced Search" link and then the "Expert Search" tab. Enter "092" in the "Tag" field and "listlib disc" in the "Value" field. For just fiction titles on CD enter "listlib disc fiction" in the "Value" field. This technique searches the call number field (092) to retrieve all audiobooks on CD.

How do I access an electronic book that I find in the catalog? (For example, a Safari book)

Click the title of the book to show the full record, then click marc record. Copy the link from the 856 field and paste it into your browser's address bar. You will then be prompted for your library card number and PIN.

I placed a hold on an item. How do I know where I am in the queue?

After logging in to your account (you can use the big orange button at the top right of this page), click the "Holds" tab. The status column displays your position in the hold queue for each item as well as the total number of circulating copies available to fill holds.

What is my PIN?

A Personal Identification Number, or PIN, is used to log on to your library account. When your account is created, this is usually set with the last four digits of your phone number--try that first. If you have changed your PIN and can't remember it, you can reset it using the "Forgot your password?" link on the "My Account" login screen.

Where can I learn more about how to search the catalog and use "My Account"?

Take a look at the Catalog and My Account Tutorials page: http://www.santacruzpl.org/evergreen/. We've put together a number of tutorials that we hope will help answer most of your questions.

Where can I see a list of new items?

There is a link to new items lists at the top of every online catalog page (in the blue navigation bar).