Frequently Asked Questions - New Catalog System

How long can I check items out for? Will there still be a 1-week grace period?

A new, simplified 3-week loan period began October 1. This replaces the current 2-week loan plus 1-week grace period. There will no longer be a grace period, and fines will begin on the first day that items are overdue. Fines will be posted to your account on a day-to-day basis.

Can I still renew my materials or check my account using the telephone renewal line?

Access to automated phone renewals will no longer be available after Sunday, October 16, 2011.

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, send a message to ecirc@santacruzpl.org and include your name and library card number.

For more information, tutorials for using your library account, search tips, and more, visit the Catalog Resources page.

What email notices will I receive with the new system?

You will receive a pre-due reminder notice 3 days BEFORE an item is due. You will continue to get an email notice when an item is 3 days overdue. However, with the new 3-week loan and no grace period, that notice will be sent when the item is actually overdue (with fines). We hope the 3 day pre-notice will help remind patrons to return their items.

In addition, you will receive a notice when a requested item is being held for you, AND you will get a notice a few days before the hold expires and the item is pulled off the hold shelf.

For more information, tutorials for using your library account, search tips, and more, visit the Catalog Resources 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. Notices by mail are expensive.

Will the catalog look different? How can I learn how to use it?

The catalog will use new software, so yes, it will look different. It will offer many more features, and it should be easier to use. The library staff will be available to help you learn how to search the catalog. For more information, tutorials for using your library account, search tips, and more, visit the Catalog Resources page.