Setting Up a New Patron Account

If your library offers this feature, and you are at least 13 years old, you can set up a new patron account online. You provide certain required information for your new patron account, and electronically submit the information to library staff members. When you register online, you receive a temporary barcode number you can use to request materials and do other operations online, but not to check out items. Once your registration has been confirmed by library staff, you receive a library card with a permanent account number barcode. When you have received your permanent account number, you can check out items.

When you set up your new account, you select a library branch from a list of branches that allow self-registration. The selected library branch becomes your "home" library for the purposes of your patron account. When your registration is verified, this branch issues your library card.

Important:
The policies of the library where you are registered (your "home" library) determine what patron account functions, such as checking out certain materials, renewing items, or placing a request, are available to you. If you place a request for materials, this library is also the default choice for the pick-up location.

Objective: Set up a new patron account

Follow these steps to set up your new library account.

1. Click Patron Account on the menu bar.

   The log-in form is displayed.

2. Click the text link, here to register now.

   The first registration screen is displayed.

3. Select a home library.

   The branch you select becomes your registered library branch. When the registration is verified, this branch issues your library card.

4. Specify a country and postal code:
   • If you live in the U.S.A., type your U.S. Zip Code.
   • If you live outside the U.S.A., click and select Other.
5. Click Continue.

   If more than one city is associated with the U. S. Zip Code you entered, the city screen appears. Select the correct city and click Continue.

   The registration form is displayed. Boxes marked with an asterisk * are required.

6. Type your first and last names in the appropriate boxes. A middle name is optional.
7. Type your street address information in the appropriate boxes.

Note:
If you selected Other as your country of residence, the form does not include street address boxes.

8. Type your telephone area code, prefix, and number in the appropriate boxes.
9. If you want the library to have your e-mail address for notification purposes, type your e-mail address.
10. If you want to indicate your gender, select M, F, or N/A for Gender.

    This optional field is for statistical reporting purposes only. The N/A option is intended for organizations registering as library patrons.

11. Type your birth month (two digits), day (two digits), and year (four digits) in the appropriate boxes.

Example:
If your birth date is February 3, 1971, you type the information as shown:

12. If the library requires additional information, type the information in the appropriate boxes.

Note:
The library-defined fields are specific to each library. Your library may not require additional information.

13. Type a password.

    The password must be a minimum of 4 characters and a maximum of 16. You can use letters and numbers, but not special keyboard characters. Letter case (capitals or lowercase) does not matter.

14. Type the password again in the Verification box.

Note:
If the passwords do not match, a message is displayed. Type the password in the Password and Verification boxes again.

15. Record your password and keep the record in a safe place.
16. Click Submit to send your registration to the library for verification.

    A message acknowledges your registration and displays a temporary barcode you can use to request materials and do other operations online that require you to log in. The library notifies you when your registration has been confirmed and your library card prepared, or you may receive your card the first time you check out materials at your home library.

Note:
If a duplicate registration is found, your new registration is canceled and a message is displayed. Contact the library for clarification.