eCatalog - User's Guide

Choose one of the options below for more information and instructions on using eCatalog.

Check Your Library Account

- Check Your Due Dates
- Renew Your Library Materials
- Review/Freeze/Cancel Your Holds
- Review Your Fines
- Pay Your Fines Online
- Save Lists for Checkout
- Save Your Reading History
- Change Your Personal Info
- Your Account -- Tips and Troubleshooting

Search for Materials in the Catalog

- Search Tips
- Reserve Library Materials (Place Holds)
- Save Preferred Searches
- Rate Library Materials/Review Your Ratings
- Get Reviews, Excerpts, and Additional Info

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eCatalog Tips & Troubleshooting, Report a Problem






About eCatalog:

Our online catalog offers these time-saving features:

• Search for library materials and check availability online prior to visiting the library
• Renew materials online instead of in person or by telephone
• Check due dates and review your account from the comfort of your home
• Reserve copies of bestsellers and other library materials
• Read book reviews and chapter excerpts online
• Send catalog information to yourself and others via e-mail

Access eCatalog












Check Your Library Account

• Access the My Account login screen by doing one of the following:
  • Click on the My Account Log in icon in the left hand column of the Library's Web site, or...
  • Select Access My Account from the eCatalog drop-down menu on the Library's Web site, or...
  • If you are already in eCatalog, click the Log in to My Account link in the upper right corner of the screen
• Enter your name and your 14-digit library card number
• Click Submit

To see which materials you have checked out and when they are due:

• Access your account (see above)
• A list of the items you currently have out and their due dates will display on the lower half of the screen
• (If items are overdue, charges up through the current day will be shown)

To renew materials you have checked out:

• Access your account (see above)
• A list of the items you currently have out and their due dates will display on the lower half of the screen
• Click in the box(es) (in the Renew column) next to the individual item(s) you wish to renew and click the Renew Selected button (or renew all your items by clicking the Renew All button)
• If your renewals are successful, a new due date will appear in the Status column. If the items cannot be renewed, a message will appear on the screen
• Note: Renewals must be completed by midnight on due date to avoid overdue fines.

To check the status of your reserved materials (holds):

• Access your account (see above)
• Click on the Requests button on the left side of the screen (If you haven't requested any holds, the Requests button will not appear)
• A list of your filled and unfilled holds and your position in the queue for each item will display
• If you happen to be next in the queue for a particular item, the date this item is due to be returned (assuming the current patron returns it on time) will display
• To cancel a hold request for an item, click in the box next to that item (in the Cancel column) and then click the Update List button
• You may also "Freeze" a hold request (unless the item is currently available). Freezing a request deactivates it, allowing others in the queue to receive the item ahead of you, until you reactivate the request. (This is useful if you will be out of town for an extended period, or you have other reading you'd like to catch up on before receiving this particular reserved item.) To freeze a hold request for an item, click in the box next to that item (in the Freeze column) and then click the Update List button

To see any fines you've accrued for materials you've already returned:

• Access your account (see above)
• Click on the Unpaid Fines button on the left side of the screen (If you have no fines, the Unpaid Fines button will not appear)
• A list of fines for materials you returned overdue (and any other charges) will appear

To pay your fines online:

• Access your account (see above)
• Click on the Unpaid Fines button on the left side of the screen to display fines and charges
• Click on the Pay Online button
• A pop-up window appears containing three sections: Fees/Fines, Billing Information, and Credit Card Information
• In the Fees/Fines section, select the charges you wish to pay by clicking on the checkbox next to the charge (Use the Clear All and the Select All buttons to clear or select all checkboxes)
• Payment total will be calculated and displayed automatically at the bottom of the Fees/Fines section
• In the Billing Information section, enter the Name, Address, City, State, and Zip Code of the credit card holder (Entering an E-mail address is optional)
• In the Credit Card Information section, enter the credit card number (Visa or Mastercard only), the card’s expiration date, and the card’s security code
• Click on the Submit button
• Another pop-up window appears and prompts you to confirm that the payment information you entered is correct and complete. Complete the transaction by clicking on the Submit button, or cancel it by clicking on the Cancel button
• After submitting the transaction, a payment receipt is displayed which can be printed by clicking on the Print button
• Click on the OK button to close this window. You will be returned to the unpaid fines screen of your record. Click on the refresh button of your browser to update your record

Paying Fines Online: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why don’t I see an Unpaid Fines button?
   If you have no fines, the Unpaid Fines button will not appear.
   
   
2. Why don’t I see a Pay Online button?
   If the fines on your account total less than $1.00, the Pay Online button will not appear.
   
   
3. What do I do when a Security Information pop-up box appears?
   If you use Internet Explorer, a Security Information pop-up box may appear with the following prompt: "This page contains both secure and nonsecure items. Do you wish to display the nonsecure items?" Simply click Yes to continue. To avoid security messages in the future, see Your Account – Tips and Troubleshooting.
   
   
4. What is a security code and where do I find it on my credit card?
   Your credit card’s security code is a three digit number found on the back of the card at the far right end of the signature strip.
   
   
5. Why has my payment been declined?
   Make sure that you are using either a Visa or Mastercard. Make sure that the billing information you’ve entered matches the billing information your credit card company has on file. Lastly, make sure that you’ve entered the credit card number, expiration date, and security code correctly. If your payment is still declined, please visit the library to pay your fine.
   
   
6. Why am I being told to visit the library to pay my fines?
   If the fines you’ve selected to pay total less than $1.00, you cannot pay online.
   
   
7. Why are the fines I’ve just paid online still on my record?
   Remember to refresh your browser after you’ve completed your online payment to update your record: click on your browser’s refresh button or press F5.
   
   
8. Will I be emailed a copy of the payment receipt?
   If an email address was entered in the Billing Information section of the payment form, a copy of the receipt will be sent to that address.
   
   

Use the My Lists feature to save lists of materials:

• Save records using any of the following methods: clicking on the Save Records button when viewing an individual record, marking records on a page by marking the checkbox next to the title(s) and then clicking on Save Marked Records button, or saving all records on a page by clicking on the Save All On Page button
• View your saved records by clicking on the View Saved button
• Click on Save to My Lists button to add saved records to a list
• You will be prompted to log in to your account (if you are already logged in, the login process will be skipped)
• Use the menu to select an existing list or to create a new list and then click the Submit button
• If you are creating a new list, enter a name and description for the list


To view, edit, or export your list(s), access your account. If you are already logged in, simply click on the Return to Your Record link located in the upper right corner of the web page.
• Once in your account, click on the My Lists button
• Select the list you would like to view, edit, or export by clicking on the list's name
• When viewing materials in a list, you may sort by title, author, or date added
• When editing your list, use the Delete Marked or Delete All buttons to remove items from your list
• To export your list, click on the Export List button
• To return to My Lists, click on the Back to My Lists button

To save a Reading History list of materials you have checked out previously:

Note - Please read before deciding whether to opt in to My Reading History: In compliance with federal, state, and local statute, the Library could be required to provide details of your borrowing record (your account), including Reading History, if requested by an authorized government agency

• Access your account (see above)
• Click on the My Reading History button on the right side of the screen
• If you have not yet opted in: Click on the Opt In button in the lower left corner of the screen. Once you opt in, items will be added to your history list from this point forward as they are checked out
• If you have already opted in: A list of the materials you have checked out since opting in will display. The list will include the title, author, checkout date, and copy number for each item
• If you wish to remove one or more items from your reading history, simply click in the box next to that item (in the Mark column) and then click the Delete Marked button (or click Delete All to delete all items from your reading history)

Note: Should you decide that you no longer wish to keep a Reading History, you may opt out at any time:

• You must first delete all items from your history (see above) before you are able to opt out
• Once you have deleted all history items, click the Opt Out button in the lower left corner of the screen

To change your personal information on file with the Library:

• Access your account (see above)
• Click on the Modify Personal Info button on the right side of the screen
• Enter a new telephone number or e-mail address, or change the way you receive notices from the Library
• Click Submit
• Note: Changes to your mailing address cannot be made online - these changes must be made in person at the library, and require proof of current address

Your Account -- Tips and Troubleshooting:

Avoiding security messages and enabling AutoComplete

We have activated SSL (Secured Sockets Layer) on our catalog. SSL is a method of encrypting Web pages containing sensitive information.

In order to avoid seeing security warnings and to have auto-fill/AutoComplete work when accessing your library account, consider making the following changes to your browser's settings. These instructions apply to recent versions of Internet Explorer.

Ensure AutoComplete is active:

1. Go to Tools and click on Internet Options
2. Click on Content tab
3. Click on AutoComplete button
4. Checkmark all
5. Click OK

Ensure Display Mixed Content is enabled:

1. Go to Tools and click on Internet Options
2. Click on Security tab
3. Click on Custom Level button
4. Scroll down about halfway to Display mixed content and select Enable
5. Click OK

Add our patron login page to Trusted Sites:

1. Go to Tools and click on Internet Options
2. Click on Security tab
3. Click on Trusted Sites
4. Click on Sites
5. Add this site: https://ecatalog.wclibrary.info/patroninfo
6. Uncheck Require server verification (https://) for all sites in this zone
7. Click OK

Access My Account Login

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Search for Library Materials in the Catalog and Check Their Availability

• Access eCatalog by doing one of the following:
  • Select Search the Catalog from the eCatalog drop-down menu on the Library's Web site, or...
  • If you are already in eCatalog or My Account, click the Start Over link in the upper right corner of the screen, or the Search Catalog button on the left side of the My Account screens
• Choose an index to search (title, author, subject, keyword, etc.) from the first drop-down menu (or, click the Advanced Search button to limit your search further - see advanced search tips here)
• Enter a word or phrase in the text box (see our basic Search Tips for advice on what to enter)
• Choose which portion of the Library's collection you want to search from the second drop-down menu
• Click the Search button or press the Enter key - the results of your search will display
• From the list of Search Results, click on the item you are interested in - a list of titles will display (if only one title is associated with the item you chose, the catalog will skip directly to the Details Screen)
• From the list of titles found (if more than one), click on the item you are interested in
• A Details Screen will display information about the title, as well as the number of copies in the Library system, location of those copies, and the current status/availability of each copy. (Note: If an item is needed immediately and has a "checked in" status, please call the library.)
• You may also place hold requests on items from this screen (see instructions for placing holds)

Access eCatalog

If you don't find the item you're looking for in the Library's collection, we may be able to obtain it from another Library through Interlibrary Loan. You can request an Interlibrary Loan by contacting our Reference Department, or by filling out the form on this Web site.










Search Tips

Searching by Title:

Type as much or as little of the title as you want. For example:

• merchant of venice
• merchant of v
• merchant

Searching by Author:

Type the author's or artist's last name first. For example:

• shakespeare
• shakespeare, william
• angelou, m

Searching by Keyword:

Type the keyword you want to find. For example:

• good to great
• Indian cooking

Searching by Subject:

Type as much or as little of the subject as you want. For example:

• children's rights
• motion pictures
• United States History Civil War, 1861-1865

The subject search uses a specific, controlled vocabulary for describing Library materials. If you do not find what you are looking for in the subject index, try a keyword search or ask a librarian for assistance.

Advanced Search Tips:

• Adjacency - Multiple words are searched together as one phrase

  Example: world health organization

• Wildcards - Words may be right-hand trunctated using an asterisk:
  • "*" for 1-5 characters
  • "**" for open-ended truncation
  • "?" to replace a single character anywhere within a word

  Example: environment* polic*
  Example: inter**
  Example: wom?n

• Boolean Operators - Use "and" or "or" to specify multiple words in any field, any order. Use "and not" to exclude words

  Example: stocks and bonds
  Example: (alaska or canada) and (adventure and not vacation)

• Proximity Operators - Use "near" to specify words close to each other, in any order

  Example: california near university

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Reserving Library Materials (Placing Holds)

• Access eCatalog by doing one of the following:
  • Select Search the Catalog from the eCatalog drop-down menu on the Library's Web site, or...
  • If you are already in eCatalog or My Account, click the Start Over link in the upper right corner of the screen, or the Search Catalog button on the left side of the My Account screens
• Choose an index to search (title, author, subject, keyword, etc.) from the first drop-down menu
• Enter a word or phrase in the text box
• Choose which portion of the Library's collection you want to search from the second drop-down menu
• Click the Search button or press the Enter key - the results of your search will display
• From the list of Search Results, click on the item you are interested in
• From the list of titles found, click on the Request link for the item(s) you wish to reserve (place holds on)
• You will be prompted to log in to your Account (if you are already logged in, the login process will be skipped)
• To log in, enter your name and your 14-digit library card number, and click Submit
• Select a pickup location and click Submit to finish placing the hold
• (If for some reason a hold may not be placed on an item, you will receive a message to see a librarian for assistance)

To check the status of your reserved materials (holds):

• See instructions here

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Saving Preferred Searches

Have a favorite author or subject for which you often search? Save your search criteria as a Preferred Search and perform the same search later with just one click. It's a great way to quickly find out when new materials that match your criteria have been added to the Library's collection!

• Log in to your Account (see instructions here)
• Begin a new catalog search by clicking the Search Catalog button on the left side of the screen, or the Start Over link in the upper right corner of the screen
• Search for your favorite author, subject, title, etc. (see instructions here for help), or create an advanced search (see tips here) including limits
• When your search results are displayed, click the Save as Preferred Search button near the middle of the screen
• The next time you log in to My Account, click the Preferred Searches button on the right side of the screen to see a list of your saved searches
• Click on the Search link to the right of any of your listed Preferred Searches, and the search is automatically executed for you, displaying the search results
• You can also be alerted when new materials are added to the Library's collection which meet your search criteria. Just check the Mark for Email box to the left of any search name listed in your Preferred Searches and click the Update List button to start receiving alerts. Be sure that the Personal Information associated with your account includes your current e-mail address

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Rating Library Materials

Share your opinions of Library materials with other users, and use others' opinions to help inform your selections!

• Search the catalog by author, subject, title, etc. (see instructions here for help)
• From the Details Screen of the item you're interested in, click on the Rating stars under "Additional Info" on the right side of the screen
• You will be prompted to log in to your Account (if you are already logged in, the login process will be skipped)
• To log in, enter your name and your 14-digit library card number, and click Submit
• Click on the star rating that bests represents how you feel about the item:

• All items you have rated can be seen by clicking the Return to Your Record link in the top right corner of the screen, then clicking the My Ratings button on the right side of the screen
• Individual ratings may be deleted by clicking in the box next to an item (in the Mark column) and then clicking the Delete Marked button (or click Delete All to delete all rated items)

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Getting Reviews, Excerpts, and Additional Information

Many of the items in eCatalog have additional information about the material, such as tables of contents, first chapters or excerpts, summaries, and reviews. To access this additional information:

• Search the catalog by author, subject, title, etc. (see instructions here for help)
• From the Details Screen of the item you are interested in, click on the cover art (i.e., picture of the book cover, DVD cover, etc.) under "Additional Info" on the right side of the screen. (Some materials will not have accompanying cover art. If cover art is not shown for an item, you will not be able to access reviews, excerpts, or other additional information for that item.)
• An "Additional Information" screen will display, with links to the types of information available for that particular item.
• Click on the link for the information you are interested in.
• A screen with that additional information will display.

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Tips & Troubleshooting

As every individual situation (computer setup, software, Web browser, etc.) is unique, we are not always able to reproduce or address errors and problems with eCatalog. However, the following tips can help ensure your ability to use eCatalog and access your account.

Tips for Using eCatalog:

• Internet Explorer 5 or higher, Netscape 6 or higher, or FireFox 2 or higher is recommended
• eCatalog is best viewed at a screen resolution of 800 x 600 pixels or greater

Cookies
Your browser must be set to accept cookies in order to log in and perform functions in your account (update your personal information, place holds, renew items, etc.). If you are using Internet Explorer 7, please follow these instructions to enable cookies:

1. Click on Tools
2. Choose Internet Options
3. Click on Privacy tab
4. Click on Advanced
5. Check the Override automatic cookie handling box
6. Enable/accept cookies
7. Click on Always allow session cookies

Instructions for enabling cookies in Firefox
Instructions for enabling cookies in Safari 3


Delete Temporary Internet Files and Cookie Files
If you are using Internet Explorer 7, please follow these instructions to delete your temporary Internet files, history, and cookies:

1. Open your Internet Explorer browser
2. Click on Tools
3. Choose Internet Options
4. Under the General tab > Browsing History, click Delete
5. Delete Temporary Internet Files, Cookies, and History
6. Also under Browsing History, click Settings and make sure that your browser automatically checks for newer versions of stored pages
7. Click OK
8. Restart your browser

Instructions for deleting temporary Internet files, history, and cookies in Firefox
Instructions for deleting temporary Internet files, history, and cookies in Safari 3


Enable Java and Javascript
You must have JavaScript enabled when using the eCatalog. If you are using Internet Explorer 7, please follow the steps below to enable Java:

1. Click on Tools
2. Choose Internet Options
3. Click on the Security tab
4. Make sure the security level for this zone is no higher than Medium-high
5. Click on Custom level
6. Scroll down to Scripting > Active Scripting and make sure that Active scripting is enabled
7. Click OK

Instructions for enabling Java and Javascript in Firefox
Instructions for enabling Java and Javascript in Safari 3


Pop-up Blockers
If you use the pop-up blocker function, disable the pop-up blocker for both of the following sites:

• http://ecatalog.wclibrary.info
• www.wclibrary.info

Content Advisor
If you are using Internet Explorer's Content Advisor feature, you need to enable access to eCatalog and the Library's Web site:

1. Go to Tools
2. Click on Internet Options
3. Click on Content tab
4. Under Content Advisor, if Content Advisor is enabled, click on Settings
5. Under Approved Sites, add www.wclibrary.info and http://ecatalog.wclibrary.info

Firewalls/Security Suites
Sometimes firewalls and security suites block access to sites, including eCatalog. Check to make sure that your software does not block cookies and that browser privacy is disabled. In addition, you may need to temporarily disable your firewall to successfully log in. You can then enable your firewall when you are finished using the Library's Web site/eCatalog. To disable and enable your firewall and/or security suite, follow the instructions provided with your software.


Problems with eCatalog?
E-mail the Library's Reference staff and describe your problem.
Please be sure to include the following information in your e-mail:

• Where you were when the problem occurred (home, work, etc.)
• Date and time when the problem occurred
• The nature of the problem
• Any error message you may have received

E-mails are typically responded to within one business day. If you need a more immediate response, call 937/433-8091, ext. 2 during the Library's open hours.


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