Until now customers had been asking, "But why do I have to enter my library card number and PIN every time I leave one screen and choose another?" The answer is to sign in from the outset. The benefits extend beyond "My Account."

Want to renew a book without coming to the Library? My Account allows you to do that. Of course, you could also use the telephone. But frankly, My Account has been one of the most popular features about the iBistro Library catalog.

The My Account link was always just below the Library Catalog link on the Library website. Then early in June 2006 it went away for two weeks. Indications are that you missed it. So we brought it back--new and improved.

Just know that for your privacy, the My Account link works differently when you are in the library, than when you are at home. In the library, you will have to enter and re-enter your UserID and PIN for each My Account transaction you make (nothing new, really). But at home, you will receive a new sign in prompt when you access My Account directly from the Library's homepage. Should you choose to sign in at that time, your catalog search session and use of My Account will be streamlined by that single sign on.

We hope that you will find that an improvement.

For parents who help their children renew books via the My Account feature, you may prefer not to sign in. If you will be renewing for more than one account, do not enter your UserID and PIN; instead use the link "I prefer not to sign in at this time." That takes you to the My Account screen that you were used to.

That said, read more about the benefits of signing on and how to do it.

Follow a link to the catalog where you find the catalog sign in front and center--can't miss it! (If you are in the Library, there will be no sign in prompt.)

You will enter your UserID, which is the number that appears on your library card (just the number, no letter). You must also enter a PIN. If you do not know your PIN, contact us at customer service and accounts.

When you sign in you can discover for yourself the ease with which you can now use My Account. This new sign in to My Account adds the ease of use you always expected in My Account.

My Account can help you track when items need to be returned to the Library to avoid overdues. It can also help you know how much you owe in overdues.

When you have requested holds, you can check your position in the queue. You can also learn if the item is ready for pickup.

Other benefits you get when you sign in are related to placing holds.

When you place a hold you have the option to choose a pick-up location. If you do not specify where you want to pick up the hold, the catalog defaults to the location where you registered as a borrower--if you are signed in. If you are not signed in and you are doing your catalog search from home, the pick up location defaults to the Chavez Central Library, regardless of whether that is your home location.

Do you still have the option to use the catalog without signing in? Sure. Just as you can use My Account without signing in.

When you see the sign in prompt, just opt out either as a 'New User' or by selecting "I prefer not to sign in at this time."

Entering the catalog this way you will find that when you can still use My Account, but each time you request a different My Account function or whenever you go to place a hold on an item, you will have to enter your card number and PIN.

Why put yourself through those paces when you don't have to?

You can choose.

Now you know.

Give the new way a try. Sign in.