PIN numbers and privacy A Personal Identification Number - or PIN - is a four-digit number
you choose to protect your account with The Portsmouth Public Library. It works
with your library card number (the number under the barcode). You can get a
PIN when you apply for a library card, or when you visit your
local branch.
Please ask at any Circulation Desk and they will create one for you. IMPORTANT NOTE: Always keep your PIN private. Never share your
card number or PIN with anyone over the phone unless you initiated a call to
the Library and know you are speaking to a Library staff member. You'll need your PIN when: * TeleCirc calls about a reserve or overdue items, and you want more
information
* You call TeleCirc to access your Library Account
* You access your own Library Account from the online catalog If you don't know your PIN, have forgotten it or want a new one, ask
for help at your
branch library. Protecting Your Privacy
The Library keeps your transactions in confidence as a matter of
policy. How Do I Get Information About My Library Account If you have your card: Go to any
branch library and
Library staff can answer questions about your account. If you call in, staff
may not be able to provide all types of information over the phone. Have
your library card number, title information and due dates of the items
involved when you call. If you don't have your card: In most cases, staff can access your
record by name and verify you are the owner by checking ID or asking you
some questions. After verifying, we can answer any questions you have about
your account. If you have someone else's card: When visiting the Library in person
with a valid library card belonging to a friend or family member, you will
only be able to: * Pick up reserve material
* Check out materials (with written permission from card owner)
* Pay fines that are outstanding on that card
The Library urges patrons to choose e-mail in order to reduce
operating expenses and conserve paper. Getting Notified by E-mail You'll need to give the library your: * Name
* Library card number
* Current e-mail address If your e-mail address changes, ask your branch library to modify
your Library Account. See also PIN Numbers and Privacy of Library Card Accounts. If you have a filter on your e-mail, Library e-mail notices may be
sent to your "junk mail" account. If this happens you can make the e-mail
address for the Library's notification service, libnotice@portsmouthva.gov,
an exception to your filter.
Getting Notified by
TeleCirc: To receive telephone notifications from the Library, contact your
branch library.
If your phone number changes, contact your branch library to modify your
account. Getting Notified by Postal Service To receive paper notifications from the Library by mail, contact your
branch library.
If your mailing address changes, contact your branch library to modify your
account.
How to place a hold on library materials When and How to Place a Hold When all copies of an item are checked out or available only at an
inconvenient location, you can place a hold, which puts you on a waiting
list for the item. When the item becomes available, the Library contacts you via
e-mail*, U.S. mail or TeleCirc and sends it to your designated branch
pick-up location. Place holds using: * The Library Catalog. "Place Hold" buttons appear on search results
screens. When you click, you'll need to log in with your library card number
and PIN. For help with setting up or changing your holds pick-up location,
please contact your
branch library. *By using e-mail notification you get messages faster, save the Library
operating costs and save paper.
Reference materials may be used from within the library only.
Only 3 DVDs may be checked out at 1 time. Returning Library materials can be returned to any library branch. Renewing
Renewing Library materials is easy: * Most items can be renewed twice if there is no one waiting for them
* The renewal period is the same length as the original loan period (see
chart) You need your library card and PIN to renew items using the
online Library
Catalog (HIP) or
TeleCirc, the automated phone service at 757-397-5265, or
757-393-4265. You may also renew: * By calling a branch during open hours
* In person at any of Portsmouth Public Library's 4 locations (you do not
need to have the item with you) Have your library card with you when calling or renewing in person.
