Frequently Asked Questions about Using the Online Catalog

This Question and Answer page is intended to give you information that you need to use our online catalog.  For frequently asked questions about the Polk County Library Cooperative and using our member libraries, please visit our "How do I?" page.  For additional help in using the online catalog, click on the Question Mark symbol in the upper right hand corner of the window.

Q: How do I Renew my library materials?

A: If you have your library card and know your PIN number, login to "My Account" on the PCLC catalog to renew your items.  If you need help you can call your local library, or visit them in person to renew your library materials.

Q: How can I have the items that I requested delivered to a different library?

A: You can either call your local library and ask that they change your pickup location, or you may edit the pickup location yourself within "My Account" once you have logged in with your barcode and PIN.  Remember, we can also mail your items directly to your home!

Q: What is my PIN?

A:  PIN's are unique numbers that are automatically assigned to all library borrower accounts by the system.  PIN's provide a secure method for borrowers to login to their accounts and help to ensure the privacy of all borrower accounts.  Note: Due to the privacy concerns related to PIN numbers, borrowers must visit their local library to receive a PIN number.

Q:  Why is my borrower barcode not allowing me to login?

A: The three most common reasons that logins fail are:

      1. Borrower account locked, which happens when a card expires

      2. Incorrect PIN number (transposed or missing digits, etc.)

      3. Spaces included in the borrower barcode, e.g. 2 0398 00008 2028 instead of 20398000082028

Please feel free to use our contact form or call your local library if your login is not working.

Q:  I am reading all of the books that were written by my favorite author, but many of the books he wrote are not in the libraries.  Can you order these books for me?

A:  On our catalog page you will see two links, one that will request an interlibrary loan and another to suggest a title to be ordered.  The "SUGGEST A TITLE" button is in the left column, the "INTELIBRARY LOAN" button in in the right column

Q:  How can I have my account updated with my new address?

A:  Please call your local public library and ask them to update your information.

Q:  Why am I not able to renew an item online even though I was able to renew the same item online last month?

A:  Most locations have limits for the number of times items can be renewed online.  Contact your local library for assistance if you cannot renew an item online.

Q:  I lost my library card?  Can you send me a new one?

A:  Library cards can only be issued by our member libraries.  Visit your local library and request a replacement card.