Why did the library get a new system? What was wrong with the old one?

MPL used the Dynix Classic system for 18 years. Sirsi-Dynix was no longer improving it and was phasing out support of this aging system. The new system gives our customers the ability to link library cards, save preferred searches, and retain reading history. Upgrading to the new system will also allow MPL to join Search Ohio, a major improvement in service and convenience. The Search Ohio portal allows the direct, online requesting of over 3 million library items for residents of northeast Ohio. Books and other library media are delivered to customers from libraries in Cuyahoga County, Cuyahoga Falls, Greene County, Kent, Portage County, Toledo, Wadsworth, Warren-Trumbull, Westerville and Youngstown within a matter of days.

How can I find new items? Where did the "New Items" link go?

You can find lists of the library's most recent additions under the New Items link on the left sidebar. You can also find New Items by starting at our homepage, then selecting Search Catalog and following the New Items link under the library logo on the right side of the screen.

How do I use "My Lists"?

Log on to your account and use the search box to look for items.

1. Select the items you want to add to a list by clicking the box.

2. Click Save to My Lists.





3. If you already have lists, select the list in which to save your selected items. If you don't have any lists, select Create a new list.

4. Click Save to My Lists.







5. Name your list.

6. Give your list a description.

7. Click Submit.

You now have a new list in which you can save and request your items.





Where's MORE? What happened to theZPortal in the old catalog?

MPL is in the process of replacing our MORE participation with a regional sharing system called Search Ohio. We decided it was not a good use of time to configure the MORE system to work with Millennium since we would only need it for 2 months. We would be happy to place your interlibrary loan requests through the staff manually.

If MORE is gone, how can I place interlibrary loans for items you don't have?

If you're looking for an item that we don't have, give us a call! For the next two months, interlibrary loan requests need to be placed by our staff - please call the library at 440.255.8811 X 247 or email askalibrarian@mentorpl.org. You will be able to place online interlibrary loan requests again when we migrate to Search Ohio which will give you access to over 3 million items available from these library partners: Cuyahoga County Public Library, Cuyahoga Falls Public Library, Kent Free Public Library, Toledo Public Library, Wadsworth Public Library, Warren-Trumbull Public Library, Westerville-Public Library, Youngstown-Mahoning Public Library, and others.

When can I renew an item?

You can renew an item any time after you check it out. The renewal date is calculated from the date you renew the item. Please check your the due dates for your items after renewing them; the library could be closed when your items are due. This is a temporary issue until we extend the hours at the branches. You should put items in the book drops if they are due when the library is closed.

Why don't I see the number of renewals anymore when I login to my library account?

The new web catalog displays the number of times you renewed items differently. After you renew an item – the display changes to Renewed 1 time.

I can't renew my items from home. How do I fix this?

There are several reasons why you may not be able to renew your items from home. The new catalog requires cookies for you to be able to renew online. If you do not wish to accept cookies, please call us at 440.255.8811 or come in to the library to renew your items. Having Google Toolbar installed could also cause problems when using the new catalog. Another cause could be a software problem if you are using both Norton Antivirus and Internet Explorer. You may want to try Firefox as your browser instead. Follow this link to download the latest version of Firefox at no charge. (Please remember that the library cannot take responsibility for your home computer. Any changes you make to your computer are at your own risk. Please phone or visit the library to renew your items if you do not wish to use cookies or Firefox.)

Do you have more troubleshooting tips?

As every person's situation (PC setup, software, web browser, etc.) is unique, we are not always able to reproduce or address errors. However, the following tips can help ensure your ability to access your patron record.

1. Cookies
Your browser must be set to accept "cookies" in order to log in and perform functions in your patron record (update your personal information or PIN, place holds, renew items, etc.).. Cookies, as you may know, are pieces of identifying information created by the site and temporarily stored on your hard drive. If your browser is set to not accept cookies, you will unfortunately continue to experience problems logging in and navigating through the site. Depending on what browser you have the choice of enabling cookies is usually located under an Internet Options or Preferences tab. To enable cookies or check to see if they are enabled, please use the following steps:

Tools > Internet Options > Privacy Tab > Advanced
Check the over-ride box to Enable/Accept cookies. Click on Always allow session cookies.

2. Clear Your Cache and Cookie Files
If you are using an Internet Explorer browser, please follow these instructions to clear your cache and cookie files: Open your Internet Explorer browser.

Tools > Internet Options > General > Browsing History
Click Delete Browsing History.

Delete Temporary Internet Files, Cookies and History Also under Browsing History, click Settings and make sure that your browser automatically checks for newer versions of stored pages. Click OK and restart your browser

3. Enable Java and Javascript
You must have JavaScript enabled when using the catalog. JavaScript allows certain functions of the catalog to run. Not having JavaScript enabled blocks these functions. If you are using Internet Explorer, please follow the steps below to enable Java:

Tools > Internet Options > Security tab

Make sure the security level for this zone is no higher than Medium-high. Click on Custom level. Scroll down to scripting and make sure that Active scripting is enabled. Click OK.

4. Pop-up Blockers
If you use the pop-up blocker function, disable the pop-up blocker for both of the following sites: http://www.mentorpl.org http://www.catalog.mentorpl.org

5. Content Advisor
If you are using the content advisor feature, you need to have enable access to the library catalog and Web site via Internet Explorer:

Tools > Internet Options > Content tab
Under Content Advisor, if you've enabled, click on Settings. Under Approved Sites, add http://www.mentorpl.org and http://www.catalog.mentorpl.org

6. Firewalls/Security Suites
Sometimes firewalls and security suites block sites, including our online catalog and databases. Specifically, you'll need to check to make sure the software does not block cookies and browser privacy is disabled. In addition, uou 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. Follow the instruction manual that came with your firewall to disable and enable your firewall.

How do I cancel a hold?

Log in to your account. You will see a list of your holds displayed on the bottom of the page. Select the hold or holds to cancel by checking the "CANCEL" box next to the item or items. Now click on the "UPDATE LIST" button. The selected hold or holds will be cancelled.

Can cancel a hold on an item that is ready for me to pick up?

Yes. Just follow the steps above.

How do I change where I pick up an item on hold?

Log in to your account. You will see a list of your holds displayed on the bottom of the page. Use the drop down menu under "PICKUP LOCATION" to change where you would like pick up the item or items. Now click on the "UPDATE LIST" button. Please remember that you cannot change the pickup location of an item that is ready for you to pick up.

What's My Reading History and how do I use it?

Mentor Public Library does not usually keep any record of what their patrons are reading for your confidentiality. However, some patrons would like their online account to keep a record of titles they have checked out from the library; those patrons may "opt in" to use this feature. My Reading History is accessible online when you login to Your Account. The Reading History records the title, author, and checkout date for all items you check out. This feature also allows you to limit a search to items that are not recorded in your Reading History. Titles are stored in My Reading History until the Library no longer owns a title or you choose to delete a title from your list. My Reading History does not keep track of titles we got from interlibrary loan for you. Remember, if Mentor Public Library is asked by legal authorities - we would have to turn these records to the authorities.

I can't log on to my account. Can you help?

Yes. We have a short tutorial that will help. Viewing this tutorial requires Flash Player which you may download here. This tutorial contains audio content; turn your speakers on.

Why did I stop getting Library Elf notices?

Library Elf is an independent company and they are considering charging for their email service. The product is in beta mode for the new MPL Innovative Millennium computer system. We are not sure of the future of the Library Elf notice system. MPL will email you free Courtesy Reminders 4 days before items are due if you give us your email address. Please keep your email address up to date with the library so that we can reach you.  Some libraries have stopped mailing notices altogether because of postage costs.  MPL has not done that but we prefer to email you or phone you.  Please keep your contact information up to date with us.

Can you email me pickup notices but not courtesy notices?

We can turn off courtesy notices at any time, just call us.

I tried to renew my items and got the message:
You cannot renew items because: You owe too much money
Can you override this so that my fines do not continue to accrue until I get to the library?

Yes, please phone the library.  However, when we renew items, late fees can still accumulate on your record. Library account balances that reach $50 and above are sent to a collection agency for recovery assistance, per our library loan policy. 

Tell me more about the loan policy. 

The library loan policy is set-up so that items are returned for other patrons to borrow.  DVDs, Videos and Video Games carry a 50 cent fine for each day they remain out past their due date.  The library uses three methods to send notices email, phone and mail.  Since emailing is free we prefer to email these notices.  Please consider providing the library with your email account to keep costs down.

The library sends the first overdue notice after 7 days for DVDs, Videos and Video Games.  After an additional 14 days, a second overdue notice is sent.  Finally, if material is not returned 45 days past their due date the computer switches the items to a BILLED status and sends the patron a bill for the cost of replacing the item.  At any point of the process, patrons need to check their account balance. Once a balance hits $50 or above, a patron should contact the library to make arrangements for recovery.  If we do not hear from you, your account will be sent to a collection agency for assistance with recovery.

Here is the text of the bill:

BILLING NOTICE - Our records show these items billed to your account.
Please check your library account balance - if it is $50 or more you have 14 days to resolve
these charges before your account is automatically routed to a collection agency which charges
a $10 collection fee.  In order to avoid this,
please contact us at Mentor Public Library at (440) 255-8811
Main Library hours: Mon & Tue: 12-8, Wed - Fri: 10-6, Sat: 12-5
Lake Branch hours: Mon: 12-8, Wed & Fri: 10-6
Headlands Branch hours: Tues: 12-8, Thu 12-6
 

All other material carry a 10 cent fine for each day the items remain checked out past their due date.  For books, the library sends the first overdue notice after 14 days. Then a second overdue notice is sent 14 days later, and finally a bill 45 days after their due date if the material is not returned to the library.