Ask a Librarian

Your Account FAQ

• How can I place holds on items in the library catalog?

  To place a hold:

  • Log in to your account.
  • Enter your search terms.
  • Find the title you want.
  • Click the Place hold button.
  • Select the library where you’d like to pick up the title.
    • The default location is your home library, or the one you specified as your preferred location in your account settings, opens a new window.
  • Click the Place hold button.

  Notes:

  • You can skip the step of choosing a pickup location every time if you enable single-click holds.
  • Placing a hold on an electronic item such as an e-book is slightly different. If the item is available now, the button is labelled Check out. If it is not currently available, the button is labelled Place hold.

• Can I save searches to run them again later?

  If you often search for titles by the same author, or on the same subject, you can save your search and run it again later. This can save you time, especially if you have constructed a complex search strategy.

  To save a search:

  1. Log in, opens a new window to your account. You must be logged in to save a search.
  2. Run your search.
  3. If required, narrow your results by applying facets on the left side of the page.
  4. Click the Save Search link above the search results.
  5. Name the search so you can easily identify it later. If you already have a search by that name, you’ll have the option to choose a new name or overwrite your existing saved search.
  6. Click Save it.

  To run a saved search:

  1. Log in, opens a new window to your account.
  2. Click Saved Searches, opens a new window under the search box.
  3. Click the search you would like to run again.

  More information about Saving Searches.

• How can I get notifications about my library account?

  Add your email address to your account to receive notifications by email for holds, materials nearing their due date, overdue materials, and lost materials. To add your email address, log in to your account or contact the library for assistance.

  If you do not have an email address in your account, we will send you automated phone notifications of holds and overdue materials.

  Notices are sent from the email address circulationcenter@ci.stpaul.mn.us. If notices are not arriving in your email inbox, try adding that address to your contacts and/or safe senders list.

  Courtesy notices
  We email courtesy reminders three days before the due date for all materials. Returning or renewing material by the due date is your responsibility.

  Courtesy notices are not a replacement for keeping track of items you have borrowed. You can check your items' due dates and account status by logging in to your account.

  Text Message Alerts

  You can opt in to get text message alerts in addition to e-mail or telephone notifications.

  Text Message Alert details.

• Can I renew items I have checked out?

  Most items can be renewed for 3 additional loan periods.

  To renew items, log in to your account or call 651-292-6002.

  Automatic Renewal

  When an item is coming due, we will attempt to renew it automatically three days before its due date.

  If your email address is on file, you will receive courtesy notice that will tell you if items have been renewed and the new due date. If items cannot be renewed, the courtesy notice will remind you to return items by their due date.

  Exceptions

  These items cannot be renewed:

  • Wi-Fi hotspots
  • Lucky Day items
  • Items borrowed from other library systems through interlibrary loan services
  • Any item someone else has requested
  • E-books and e-audiobooks

• How can I change my notification preference?

  To change how you are contacted by the library regarding overdue notifications, visit your account settings and click the "Change" link under Contact Preferences.

  You can choose to be contacted by email or by telephone. Please note that courtesy reminders of items that are due soon are only sent by email.

  You can update your email address by visiting your account settings and clicking the "Change" link under Email Address. To change your telephone number, please contact the library.