Q) Do I need anything special to access the catalog?
A) All you need is a computer with an internet connection.
TIP: if you have a 28.8 modem or slower please use our text only catalog at catalog.kcls.org/airpac.

Q) Can I access the library catalog from my PDA?
A) Yes! The new catalog provides a catalog for PDA users- just point your browser to catalog.kcls.org/airpac.

Q) Will the Telnet (text only) catalog be available?
A) Unfortunately, many vendors are discontinuing support for the Telnet catalogs and our new vendor is no exception. However, there is a text only catalog available at catalog.kcls.org/airpac.

Q) What does "Check Shelf" mean?
A) In your search results under status, "Check Shelf" means that the item is checked in at the library shown. Most likely, it's on the shelf in the collection indicated, unless it was recently returned and is still on a cart. If you can't find an item, please ask.

Q) What is my PIN and why do I need it?
A) Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) allows you to access your library account information through the library catalog. If you misplaced your PIN or have forgotten it, visit your local library with a Picture ID. If you have never had a PIN, you may set up your first PIN by using Self Checkout, or through "My Account" in the catalog. If you wish to change your pin you may go to "My Account" to change it.

Q) How do I view my account?
A) " Click on "My Account"
Type your Library Card number with no spaces. Type in your PIN. Remember to log out of your account when finished.

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Q) How do I place a hold?
A) Go to the KCLS catalog. Choose an index to search (title, author, etc.) Click on your selection. Enter a word or a phrase and click on search. Once you locate an item you want to hold, click on the blue "Place Hold" button. You will be prompted to enter your library card number (with no spaces) and PIN. You may also place a hold from the results page.

Q) How do I check my holds?
A) Click on "My Account."
Type in your library card number (with no spaces) and PIN. Click on holds.

Q) How do I cancel a hold?
A) Click on "My Account."
Go to your holds list. Click on the check box next to the title you wish to cancel. Click on the "update holds" button.

Q) How do I view my account?
A) " Click on "My Account."
Type your Library Card number with no spaces. Type in your PIN. Remember to log out of your account when finished.

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Q) How do I view my account?
A) Click on "My Account."
Type your Library Card number with no spaces. Type in your PIN. Remember to log out of your account when finished.

Q) What can I do with My Account?
A) Renew Items, Cancel holds, Change your PIN, Change your Patron Info, View your Checkout History,and Execute Favorite Searches.

Q) How do I see what items I still have out?
A) Click on "My Account".
A list of items should display.

Q) How do I renew an item?
A) Click on "My Account"
Check the box next to the item you wish to Renew and click on the "Renew Button." Your new due date will be the renewal period from today's date, not from the original date the item was first due.

Q) I tried to renew an item- but it did not work- what happened?
A) This might occur for two reasons: 1) There might be a hold on that item or 2) Your fines or charges might exceed $10.00.

Q) What is My Checkout History?
A) This feature keeps track of every book that has been checked out, theoretically forever or until one deletes titles from the list. You must "Opt In" to activate this feature. Otherwise the system defaults to the "Opt Out" setting. In the "Opt Out" state no history of any kind is kept in order to protect your privacy.

Q) What are "Favorite Searches?"
A) This will allow you to have searches executed automatically and for the results to be emailed on a regular basis (most likely every 2 weeks).

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Q) What if I am not receiving courtesy, overdue or pickup notices via email?
A) Your spam filter may be blocking our messages. KCLS notices have a new From field. Please add the following to your email address book: circadm@kcls.org

Q) Want to sign up for email Notification?
A) Simply log into your account with your library card number and pin and click on “Change My Info.” Type in the email address that you wish to use to receive your notifications and click "submit."
** Please add the following address to your email address book so the library notices are not blocked: circadm@kcls.org .
Please note: It may take up to 24 hours for your new notification method to take effect.

Q) No email Notification?
A) This e-mail message is sometimes perceived as unsolicited mail by an e-mail provider and is directed into a bulk mail folder or a junk mail folder. Also check these folders if you feel a notice should have been received and was not.
Additionally, if you are not receiving email notices, please add circadm@kcls.org to your address book in your email setup so that our notices are not blocked by your spam filter.

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Q) What is my PIN and why do I need it?
A) Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) allows you to access your library account information through the library catalog. If you misplaced your PIN or have forgotten it, visit your local library with a Picture ID. If you have never had a PIN, you may set up your first PIN by using Self Checkout, or through "My Account" in the catalog. If you wish to change your pin you may go to "My Account" to change it-click on the Forgot my pin link and follow instructions. See more information here.

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Q) What payment methods do you accept?
A) The King County Library System accepts Visa and Mastercard via the web site only. Cash and personal checks are accepted at any of our libraries. We hope to support credit cards in our libraries in the future.

Q) Why only Visa and Master Card?
A) Every credit card company charges a fee for use. With Discover and American Expressthe fees are higher than Visa and Master Card, and they require additional agreements.

Q) Is it safe to use my credit card on your web site?
A) Yes, using your credit card at The King County Library Systems' web site is safe. We have partnered with a highly reputable payment vendor who uses encryption technology (SSL) to secure all information gathered from our customers at the time of payment. This means that any personal information is safe while it travels over the Internet.

Q) What is SSL?
A) SSL is an acronym for "Secure Socket Layer", a security protocol that provides communications privacy over the Internet.

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Q) How do I view my account?
A) "Click on "My Account."
Type your Library Card number with no spaces. Type in your PIN. Remember to log out of your account when finished.

Q) How do I renew an item?
A) Click on "My Account"
Check the box next to the item you wish to Renew and click on the "Renew Button." Your new due date will be the renewal period from today's date, not from the original date the item was first due.

Q) I tried to renew an item- but it did not work- what happened?
A) This might occur for two reasons: 1) There might be a hold on that item or 2) Your fines or charges might exceed $10.00.