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| Login to My Account | NOBLE Web | Member Libraries |
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How do I find out when libraries are open, driving directions, and other library-related information?
At the top of each page in the catalog is a link to a list of "Member Libraries", which includes the hours and address of each library, as well as a link to that library's web site. You can also click on the location in an item list to see this information.
When is NOBLE's online catalog available?
All the time! Except for rare scheduled maintenance, the catalog is available 24/7 every day of the year.
Once I'm in the catalog, how do I return to the NOBLE network's homepage?
At the top of each page in the catalog is a link to "NOBLE Web", which will take you to the network's main web site.
How do I choose which library's collections to search?
The catalog defaults to searching the entire system of NOBLE libraries. You can choose to specify only a specific library, or just public or college libraries, by choosing from the pull-down list where it says "View Entire Collection." If you are using a computer in a library building, rather than at home, it may have already been pre-set to search that library's collections.
What type of search should I do?
You can search by author, title, subject, or keyword, and which type you choose depends on what information you know about the items you're trying to find. In most cases it's easiest to start with a keyword search. In a keyword search you can search any combination of words from the title, author’s name, notes or subjects that describe different editions of books and other material in the library catalog. You don't need to worry about capitalization, since the system ignores case in searching. You don't need to add AND between words and phrases-- the system adds this automatically.
How do I find out where an item is located in the library?
If your search results in a list of more than one item, each one will have a link to the "Full Record". By clicking there, you will see the listing of individual copies, along with which library owns them, where they would be located, and whether they are available or checked out.
What do the different statuses mean?
There are numerous ways the catalog indicates the current status of a particular item. Here are the most common ones:
ON SHELF - The item is available for borrowing and should be on the shelf under the location indicated.
DUE mm/dd/yy - The item is checked out and due on the indicated date.
ON HOLDSHELF - The item is on the reserve shelf waiting to be picked up by someone.
LIB USE ONLY - The item is available to look at in the library building, but cannot be checked out.
MISSING - The item is not checked out, but cannot be located where it is supposed to be.
IN TRANSIT - The item is en route from one library to another on interlibrary loan.
MENDING - The item is not available because it has been damaged and is being repaired.
DISPLAY - The item is available, but on a special display away from where it is ordinarily shelved.
RETURNED TODAY - The item was recently checked in and is available, but may still be waiting to be shelved.
STORAGE - The item is in a special storage location which may or may not be readily available, depending on the library.
Do I have to go back to the main screen to do another search?
No. After doing a search, you will see your previous search shown at the top of the screen. Right from there, you can do another search by simply typing over the previous one, and you can also change the type of search, or which library's collections you'd like to search.
What does "Modify Search" mean?
"Modify Search" allows you to change your search criteria if you are not satisfied with the results. You can use this to limit the results to a particular format (such as DVDs, cassettes, or large print books), to a particular language, or to only adult or only children's materials. You can also change the sort order of the results from alphabetical to chronological and back again. All of these choices can also be done before your search, if you wish, if you do a Keyword search.
How do I view the next page of my search results?
At both the top and bottom of the page, you will see numbers indicating how many pages of results there are for your search. you can jump to a particular page by clicking on the number, or simply click "Next" or "Previous" to go back and forth.
What does “Save to My List” mean?
“My List” functions like the “shopping carts” used by many Internet sites. You can keep a running list of items that interest you as you find them. As of now, the only thing you can do with your list is print it out, or e-mail/export it. In the future you will be able to place simultaneous requests for multiple items in your list. Lists are not retained from session to session. You will lose your list when you leave the catalog.
Which browsers are recommended for using the catalog?
Recent versions of Internet Explorer or Netscape are recommended. NOBLE does not recommend using proprietary browsers such as provided by AOL.
Why do I have to login to my account multiple times?
Once you login to your account, you should not be prompted to login again. Internet Explorer's Content Advisor can cause the catalog to re-prompt for login. To check to see if this is turned on, go to the Tools menu and select Internet Options. Click on the Content tab. If the button under the Content Advisor section says "Disable" then it is turned on. You will need to disable Content Advisor for Internet Explorer to work properly with the catalog.
What is My Account?
Just like on many Internet sites, you can view and maintain your library account online through the NOBLE catalog. You can view a list of the items you have out, renew them yourself, and place requests, check their status, or cancel requests. From within the catalog, just click on "Login to My Account" at the top of the page.
What is a PIN? How do I get one?
To access your account online, you will need a PIN (personal identification number). The PIN provides security to insure that nobody but you has access to your account and information. You can get a PIN from any NOBLE library, but for security reasons, you must do this in person, rather than by phone or e-mail.
How do I change my PIN?
After logging in to your account there is an option to modify your PIN. PINs should be between 5 and 40 characters in length and must contain lowercase letters, numbers, or a combination of both.
What if I forget my PIN?
Library staff cannot tell you your PIN because it is encrypted in the computer for security. You can, however, get a completely new PIN by going in person to any NOBLE library.
Can I check My Account without accessing the catalog?
Sure. Just go to the main web site for the NOBLE network (www.noblenet.org) and click on "Login to Your Account".
How can I update my email address?
When you are logged in to your account, select “Modify Personal Information”. Enter your new email address and click “Submit”.
Can I renew my items online?
Yes, from your list of checked out items, choose the ones you want to renew and click “Renew Selected Items”. You will then be told the new due date.
How can I tell which items can be renewed?
If an item is not eligible for renewal (either because it is on reserve for someone else, has been renewed too many times, or is already past due) you will get a message indicating that the item cannot be renewed. The original due date will remain in effect. Contact your library by phone or e-mail for further assistance with your account, as renewal policies vary from library to library.
Once I am logged in and placing a request, how do I view My Account?
You can view your account by clicking on the My Account button.
Can AOL subscribers using the AOL browser use the My Account function?
Proprietary browsers such as AOL’s seem to have problems with My Account and are not recommended for using this function.
How can I tell whether the items that I’ve requested are ready?
In your account, you can check the list of “Requests (holds) outstanding”. If the status of your request is “Ready for Pickup”, the item is available and waiting for you at the library you designated as the pickup location. If the status is “In Transit”, the item is en route in delivery but has not yet arrived. Any other status means the item is not yet available for you.
Can I request an item online?
Yes! You need to have been issued a PIN to access your account online. When viewing the information for an item in the catalog, you can request it by clicking the "Request" button. You will then be asked for your library card number and PIN. Then simply choose the library where you would like to pick up the book and click "Submit".
How can I get the computer to automatically remember my library card number and PIN when I am requesting more than one item?
The system prefers you to log in to your account first, before searching the catalog. You can do this by going to NOBLE’s web site at www.noblenet.org and logging in there. Then click the “Search Catalog” button and you will remain logged as long as you search and request items.
Do I need to specify a pickup location for requested items?
Yes, just choose any library from the drop-down list. Note that this is the library where you would like to pick up the item when it arrives, not the library you'd like to have it sent from.
Do I need to enter an expiration date when requesting an item in the catalog?
The expiration date is optional. You may wish to enter one if you know you will not need the item if it arrives after a certain date. Otherwise you may leave this field blank.
Can I be notified by email when my requested items arrive?
Yes, if you are a frequent reader of e-mail, this is the fastest way to find out when your requests arrive. Just tell your library your e-mail address and you can be set up to receive reserve notices and overdue notices by e-mail. Note that you should remember to notify the library if your e-mail address changes.
If I filter my email do I need to do anything special with my filter settings in order to insure that I receive my library notices?
NOBLE’s e-mail notices are sent from the following address:
circadm@noblenet.org
How can I tell whether the items that I’ve requested are ready?
Check the list of “Requests (holds) outstanding”. If the status of your request is “Ready for Pickup”, the item is available and waiting for you at the library you designated as the pickup location. If the status is “In Transit”, the item is en route in delivery but has not yet arrived. Any other status means the item is not yet available for you.