Using "My Account"
If you have a library card, then you have a library account you can access through KCPL's online catalog. This feature, cleverly named "My Account," can be used to set your account preferences, renew items, request items and view holds or fines.
Accessing "My Account"
In order to access "My Account," you will need the number on the back of your library card and a password. If this is your first time logging in, your temporary password should be the last four digits of your phone number. (If you discover that this does not work as your password, please let us know and we will reset it for you.) The first time you log in, you will be asked to create a new password. Library staff will not have access to your new password, but can always reset your password if you have trouble accessing your account. After you create your new password, the system will automatically log you out of your account -- don't worry, this is supposed to happen! When you log back in with your newly created password, you will be able to access your account information.
Setting Preferences
After you log into your account, we highly recommend that you select your notification preferences, which can be done under the Account Preferences tab. The default setting is for notification by both phone and email. You can use the drop-down menu to choose either phone or email as your notification preference. If you prefer double-notification, don't do a thing and you will continue to receive both an email and a phone call when items you have requested are ready to be picked up.
You can also choose a user name for logging in to your account. You may find this makes it easier to use "My Account" since you will then be able to sign in with your user name instead of needing to use your library card number. To change your user name, choose the Account Summary tab and click the "Change" link in the "Username" row.
Renewing Items
With some exceptions, as long as no one else has requested items you have checked out, they can be renewed twice. Some interlibrary loan items cannot be renewed at all and if you have over $10.00 in fines on your account you will be unable to renew. In order to renew items, select the Items Checked Out tab. You will see a list of all the items currently out on your account, their due dates, and the remaining number of renewals. If your items are eligible for renewal, you will be able to check the boxes in the right-hand column and click the "Renew Selected Items" button.
Placing Holds on Items
You can use "My Account" to place a hold on any items you would like to reserve. When you find something in the online catalog that you would like to request, click the "Place Hold" link. If you are not already signed into "My Account," you will be prompted to log in. You can then confirm your notification preferences and choose the KCPL branch where you would like to pick up your requested item.
Reviewing Information
Via "My Account," you can see what items you have requested, suspend hold requests (very handy if you are going away on vacation and don't want to miss the pick-up window or move to the end of the line), activate suspended holds, and cancel holds you no longer need.
You can also use "My Account" to view any current fines that have accrued on your account.
Need more help or information?
We have had some reports that some patrons cannot access "My Account" when using Internet Explorer for their web browser. If you experience this problem, we recommend that you download either Firefox or Chrome as an alternative web browser. If you experience difficulties accessing "My Account" when using other web browsers, clear the cache and try again.
If you continue to run into trouble accessing "My Account" or using any of its features, please let us know. We are happy to investigate, help trouble-shoot, and provide additional guidance. If you have questions, stop by any of our branches or give us a call at 410.778.3636.