Austin Public Library’s Online Catalog
Becomes More User Friendly

In February 2006 the Austin Public Library (APL) moved to a new library automated system that included an improved online catalog. With improved access to the catalog and account information, customers have been able to check on the availability of titles, place holds, renew items, and search Library databases at any time from any computer with Internet access.

Since last year APL has received customer feedback on the system and what features or enhancements they’d like to see to make the experience of searching the catalog more intuitive and pleasant.

On October 28, 2007 the library staff rolled out the enhanced features of FindIt’s My Account page. Once you log on to the NEW My Account page the first screen (page) that appears is a comprehensive account information page. From this screen a customer can:

• Review account status, including bills, status of materials on hold, and materials currently charged to account (and due dates).
• If the customer’s account is soon to expire, a note appears in the Account information section.
• Receive messages from the Library.
• Select items for renewal (note appears when an item is not eligible for renewal) and renew them.
• Cancel holds
• The customer can change his PIN/Password and update personal information from this screen.
• The customer can also change his preferences from this screen, and can go to “My Favorites.”
• If the customer’s account is “Barred,” (usually because of fine accumulation) a message will appear noting that materials cannot be renewed.

In addition, the over all look and feel of the FindIt pages is graphically enhanced to include user-friendly buttons replacing text links.

If you have questions about your PIN or the new features of FindIt please contact Ask a Librarian!

Happy searching!

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