Get A Library Card
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How to join our library system if you are a:
- Resident of a community that we serve
- Private business, not-for-profit organization, or other type of institution
- InterLINK library member
- A resident of British Columbia and a member of your local library
- A resident of Whatcom County, Washington
Personal Membership
Membership is FREE to all residents of the communities we serve. To join, visit one of our libraries with the following:
- Adults: Two pieces of ID, one with your current mailing address
- Teens: (13-18 yrs) One piece of ID (e.g. student card)
- Children: (Under 13 yrs) One piece of ID for the child and satisfactory proof of residence from parent or guardian registering the child. Library card will require signature of parent or guardian. The child is to be present at time of registration.
Institutional Membership
Any business, non-profit organization, or institution with a current business license in an area that the Fraser Valley Regional Library serves may receive a free institutional membership. Please bring a letter of application on company letterhead signed by a manager or senior executive. Responsibility for borrowed materials rests with the borrowing organization, and must be authorized by a signing officer of the business or organization.
InterLINK
Public Library InterLINK is a group of primarily Lower Mainland libraries which have joined together to allow free borrowing of materials by each other’s residents. Residents of InterLINK communities can go to the other member libraries and register to borrow books.
If you are a member of a participating InterLINK library you may bring your home library card to any FVRL location to have your card number registered in our system. For more information, including which libraries belong to InterLINK, go to the InterLINK website or view frequently asked questions here.
BC OneCard Membership
If you travel, visit or live outside of the InterLINK area and are a British Columbia resident holding a valid library card from your community public library you are eligible for a BC OneCard. The BC OneCard will allow you to borrow outside your home library and/or the InterLINK system from any public library in BC.
You can obtain a BC OneCard from any BC public library including all FVRL locations. When you come in to be registered at one of our branches, you must bring your home library card for identification, along with two pieces of ID. For more information go to the BC OneCard website or view frequently asked questions here.
Resident of Whatcom County, Washington Membership
Residents of Whatcom County, Washington qualify for membership and can borrow items from the Fraser Valley Regional Library. For membership go to any FVRL location and visit the circulation desk with your Whatcom County library card and your ID as outlined above in Personal Memberships.
Change Your PIN
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The PIN is your Personal Identification Number that provides security for your unique library record. A PIN is necessary to complete some transactions such as requests and renewals and to access information about your account.
How do I create a PIN?
- Go to Your Account
- Enter your name and library card number
- Type your PIN (4 digits only)
- Click Submit
- Retype your PIN in both boxes that appear to verify
- Click Submit
How do I change my PIN?
- Login to Your Account
-
Click on Modify Your PIN, a new window will open
- Type your old PIN for verification purposes
- Type a new PIN
- Retype new PIN to verify
- Click on Submit
- You should see the message, "Your PIN has been modified"
- Click on Close Window
How do I recover a forgotten PIN?
If you have an email address on record with FVRL you can change it online.
- Go to My Account
- At the bottom of that page click on Forgot Your PIN
- A new window called PIN Request will open
- Enter your name and card number
- Click Submit
- A message will be sent to the email address you previously provided FVRL
- Click on the link in the email and you will be redirected to the PIN reset page
- Enter your name and card number and choose a new 4-digit PIN
If you do not have currently have an email address on record with FVRL phone the nearest FVRL location, have your library card number ready, and ask to add your email address to your account and have your current PIN deleted. Please note that your PIN is encrypted so FVRL staff cannot look it up or change it but they can reset it. You can then create a new PIN using the instructions above.
Check Your Due Dates
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When you check out items from the Fraser Valley Regional Library you will receive a receipt that lists the checked out items along with their due dates. Please check dates as different material may have different due dates. If you lose the receipt you can always see what items you have checked out and their due dates through the FVRL website.
How do I check my borrowed items due dates?
- Login to Your Account
- Click on Checked Out Items
- Depending on how you want to view your record, you can click on Sort by Checkout, to sort items by date checked out, or you can click on Sort Items by Due Date, to see when and which items are due first
How long are the loan periods on items borrowed from FVRL?
- Three weeks for most items
- Two weeks for high demand materials (excludes Best Seller Express)
- Seven days for Best Seller Express items
How can I receive automated email alerts to notify me when my items are due?
- Login to Your Account
- Click on Edit Email
- Enter your email address
When you sign up for automated email alerts you will receive a reminder email three days before your items are due and another reminder email when your books are overdue by 10 days.
Renew Items Online
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Most library items can be renewed up to three times. Exceptions include high-demand items, items that other patrons have requested, and items on loan from outside the FVRL system. The maximum number of library items per account at one time is 60. You can renew your items in-person, by phone, or online.
How do I renew books online?
- Login to Your Account
- Click on Checked Out Items
- Click on Renew All Items or select only those you wish to renew
If an item is on hold for another patron you will not be able to renew it. If you receive the error message "Too Many Renewals," it means that you have reached the limit for renewals on that particular item. If an item is overdue, the accrued fine will be added to your library account. Overdue fines stop accumulating as soon as the item is renewed.
Why can’t I renew some of my borrowed materials online?
There are two reasons you may not be able to renew some of you borrowed material online:
- The renewal function is unavailable between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. every night for systems processing, any attempts at renewal during this time period will not be processed; you can renew your items between 2:01 a.m. and 10:59 p.m.
- If another patron has requested the item you are trying to renew, the online system will not allow you to renew that item and will only renew any borrowed material without hold requests. You will get a error message stating "Not all renewals were successful, see details below." Scroll down to view your items – under the due date of un-renewable item will be the reason it was not renewable.
Place & Cancel Requests
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You can search the Fraser Valley Regional Library online catalogue to request an item. The item will be sent to the FVRL location of your choosing and you will be notified when it is available for pick up.
How do I place a request online?
- Search for the title you want in the FVRL online catalogue
- Click on the title to view item information
- Click on Request
- Enter your name, library card number, and PIN in the applicable fields
- Choose the FVRL location you wish to pick the item up at from the drop down menu
- Click on Submit to complete your request
- The screen should display the message, “Your request for the x-item by x-author was successful. It will be delivered to x-location when it is available” If you do not see this message an error was made during the request process, please try your request again.
How do I cancel a request online?
- Log into Your Account
- Click on Requests
- Select the requested item you wish to cancel
- Click on Cancel Selected to remove item from your request list
If you are looking for an item that is not listed in the FVRL online catalogue and is new – published within the last 12 months, you may submit a suggestion for purchase. Due to the high volume of purchase suggestions FVRL is unable to notify you if the item is purchased.
How do I suggest items for purchase?
- Log into Your Account
- Click on Suggestions for Purchase
- Enter as much title information as you have available in the applicable fields
- Click on Submit This Suggestion to complete your request
If FVRL does not own the book you are looking for and it was published more than 18 months ago, you may be able to request it by searching other library catalogues via OUTLOOK Online. This service is offered through InterLibrary Loans, for more information click here.
Pay Fees & Fines
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You are responsible for all items borrowed on your card as well as any charges accrued on items that are overdue, lost, or damaged. Report a lost or stolen card immediately to any FVRL location; all items borrowed using your card before it has been reported missing will remain your responsibility.
You can pay your fees and fines at your local FVRL location or through your bank by adding Fraser Valley Regional Library to your bank’s payee list.
How to Pay Fees Through Your Bank
- Search for Fraser Valley Regional Library in your bank’s payee list for telephone, Internet and ABM banking
- Add Fraser Valley Regional Library to your payee list
- Use your 14-digit library card number as your account number
- Pay your fees and fines
Fines
- Adult materials: $0.30 per day
- Children's/young adult materials: $0.10 per day
- Best Seller Express: $1 per day
- Inter-library loans: $1 per day
- Story telling kits: $5 per day
Please note that you will be blocked from borrowing materials or placing holds when your cumulative fines reach the following limits:
- Adults and young adults: $25
- Business / day care / institution: $25
- Children: $10
Additional Fees
- Lost card: $2 card replacement
- NSF cheques: $25
- Lost or damaged items: charges for materials that have been catalogued will include a $5 processing fee to help cover the costs of replacing the item.
- Long overdue accounts: unpaid fees and fines may result in your account being turned over to a collection agency
Printing & Photocopying
- Printing: $0.15 per page (B&W), $0.50 per page (colour)
- Photocopying: $0.15 per page (B&W), $0.50 per page (colour)
Freeze & Unfreeze Requests
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What is a Freeze request?
A Freeze request refers to you having previously placed a request for an item(s) and for whatever reason won’t need the item(s) immediately. If the requested item(s) is not already in transit to your preferred pick up location, you can put a freeze on it.
The Freeze function allows you put your name on the waiting list for an item and hold your spot on that list which means that your name will move up the request list but will only ship when you are ready.
How do I place a Freeze on a requested item?
- Login to Your Account
- Click on Requests
- Click the box under Freeze (on the right) beside the item(s) you want to put a Freeze on
- Click on Cancel/Update Selected to save your Freeze request
* When freezing holds do not click the box to the left of the item because it will cancel and delete that particular hold. Only click the box to the right of the item you wish to freeze.
How do I remove a Freeze on a requested item?
- Login to Your Account
- Click on Requests
- Click the box, removing the check under Freeze (on the right) beside the item(s) you want to remove the Freeze from
- Click on Cancel/Update Selected to save your request
Can I Freeze an item that is already in transit or on the hold shelf?
No. Any item that is already in transit or on the hold shelf cannot be frozen. You can either pick up the hold item when it is available or cancel the hold and re-request the item and then put a freeze request on it.
Searching the Catalogue
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How to search the Catalogue for various items
How do I search for a broad list of DVDs?
DVDs are categorized by film type in the catalogue. To search for a list of movie titles available:
- Go to Search Catalogue
- Click on Advanced Search (link is located in the grey area on the left)
- Listed below are suggested search categories for DVDs. Type any of the following search terms beside the Any Field box:
- Feature Films
- Motion Pictures
- Children’s Films
- Television Programs
- Animated Films, etc.
- Under Material Type select DVD
- Click on Submit
- Click on a title to view available copies and DVD information
You can choose to keep your DVD search broad, or you can limit it even further by selecting a specific location, language type, and/or age of film. For television programs type "the complete" before the show’s name to get more accurate search returns. (e.g. Searching "the complete Simpsons" will return title listings for seasons one through 12.)
How do I find a specific DVD title?
If you already know what DVD you are looking for you may search for a specific title by:
- Go to Search Catalogue
- Click on Advanced Search (link is located in the grey area on the left)
- Type the title name you are searching for beside the Any Field box (e.g. Jungle Book)
- Under Material Type select DVD
- Click on Submit
- Click on a title to view available copies and DVD information
How do I find TV series DVDs?
- Go to Search Catalogue
- Click on Advanced Search (link is located in grey area on the left)
- Listed below are suggested search categories for TV series DVDs. Type any of the following search terms beside the Any Field box:
- Animated Television Programs
- Detective and Mystery Television Programs
- Documentary Television Programs
- Historical Television Programs
- Made For TV Movies
- Television Adaptations
- Television Comedies
- Television Programs
- Under Material Type select DVD
- Click on Submit
- Click on a title to view available copies and DVD information
Typing the search term "the complete" before a show’s name will get more accurate search returns. (e.g. Searching the "complete Simpsons" will return title listings for seasons one through 12.)
How do I search for a broad list of music on CDs?
- Go to Search Catalogue
- Click on Advanced Search (link is located in the grey area on the left)
- Listed below are some suggested search categories for music CDs. Type one of the following search terms beside the Any Field box:
- Rock Music
- Country Music
- Children’s Music
- Soundtracks
- Musicals
- Orchestral
- Jazz, etc.
- Under Material Type select Music on CD
- Click on Submit
- Click on a title to view available copies and CD information
You can choose to keep your Music on CDs search broad, or you can limit it even further by selecting a specific location, language type, and/or age of CD.
How do I search for a specific music artist and/or CD?
- Go to Search Catalogue
- Click on Advanced Search (link is located in the grey area on the left)
- Type the artist and/or title name you are searching for beside the Any Field box (e.g. Madonna or Hard Candy)
- Under Material Type select Music on CD
- Click on Submit
- Click on a title to view available copies and CD information
You can choose to use more than one search limiter to find a particular CD (e.g. "Country Music and Kenny Chesney" or "High School Musical and Soundtracks").
How do I search for a particular format of material? (e.g. large print, audiobooks, adult learner etc.)
The FVRL collection carries various types of material and you can search for a particular type, for example, large print books, CD ROMS, adult learner material etc.
- Go to Search Catalogue
- Click on Advanced Search (link is located in the grey area on the left)
- Type in any subject, keyword or specific title beside the Any Field boxes (e.g. math, algebra, Barron’s E-Z Math etc.)
- Limit by Material Type (e.g. Adult Learners or CD ROMS etc.)
- Click on Submit
- Click on a title to view material copies and information
Please note that not all material types are listed here, FVRL carries over 20 different material types and all can be found using Advanced Search under Material Type.
General Questions FAQ
Online Resources
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I tried to access one of the Online Resources and it asked for a user ID and password, what do I do?
When you access these databases from outside a FVRL location, such as your home or office, you will need a user ID, which is your library card barcode number, and a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). For help setting up your PIN or resetting a forgotten PIN, click here.
Career Opportunities
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How do I find out about working at the library?
All career opportunities are posted under Careers on the FVRL website.
Online Catalogue
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I just need some general information and help navigating the online catalogue.
Login - Allows you to login and search the catalogue, it also allows you to view your patron account information.
Basic Search - Search our online catalogue of materials with little search customization
Advanced Search - Search our catalogue using advanced searching techniques, as well as limit records displayed.
Featured Lists - Featured Lists collected by the FVRL highlight many of our items
Online Resources - Access our many free databases with your library barcode number and your PIN.
Suggestion for Purchase - Allows you to suggest an item that you think the library should purchase. You must fill out all of the information before submitting.
Why can’t I see what I have requested when I am logged in
to my account?
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The layout of the Account Information page has changed slightly. The Request button is now located on the left side of the Accounts page within the shaded green box. Please note that you will only see the Request button if you have requested items.
- Login to Your Account
- When you have logged in you should see Click to Show Account Information (located in the shaded green box on the left side)
- If you have requested items you will see the Request button
- Click on the Request button, this will take you to your requests page where you can sort, cancel, change pick up location, freeze, and view holds that are ready to pick up
- To get back to the main account page you can click on Checked Out Items (located in the shaded green box on the left side) or you can click Return To Your Record (top right of screen)
- When you are done, click on Log Out
I keep getting the error message "card problems"
when I try to use it online, how can I fix this?
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There are a few reasons you could be getting this message:
- You have not typed in the card number correctly or your PIN does not match, try retyping your card number or resetting your PIN
- You have not used your FVRL account in a long time and the card has expired, please call or go into your nearest FVRL location to renew the card
- You hold a BC OneCard, while you can use this card at FVRL you cannot access your FVRL account online, please go into your nearest FVRL location and the desk staff will be able to help you
If your card still will not work please contact your nearest FVRL location.
I want to request an item, who do I send my hold request to?
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If you have found an item that you wish to request, follow the online request instructions, or alternately you may call or visit your nearest FVRL location and the staff will be happy to place your request. Please do not email hold requests to the Webmaster because they will not be processed.
I have a question that is not answered by the FAQ, should I contact the
webmaster or my library?
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Please contact your nearest FVRL location if your question is in regards to catalogue, research, programs, services and account information including fines, hold requests, overdues, missing items, card problems, PINs, etc. Please contact the Webmaster to report website bugs and dead links.
I am sure I returned a book but it still shows on my account and is
accumulating fines, who should I contact?
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Please call or visit your nearest FVRL location and the staff will be able to assist you.
Does FVRL accept donations of DVDs and CDs?
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FVRL does not accept donations of DVDs or CDs because the library is unable to verify content and playability. The library does accept donations of gently-used books.
Can I change my default pickup location for items?
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When you request an item you will be asked to enter your account information, when you reach the verification page you will be presented with a drop down list with your default pick up location displayed first. From this list you can choose any of the 24 FVRL locations to pick your items up from. You may change your pick up location of any requested item from your requests page as long as it is not already in-transit or on the hold shelf.
Please note that to permanently change your default location you must call or visit your nearest branch and ask them to change your home location in the system.
The website doesn’t display correctly in my browser, why?
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The FVRL site is best displayed in Internet Explorer or Safari. If you are using Firefox and the page seems to be broken up with elements scattered vertically, it could be due to the minimum font size being set in Firefox by the user. For best viewing, the minimum font size in Firefox should be 10.
In the Firefox browser go to Tool - Options - Content – Font and Colors, and click on Advanced. Make sure “Allow pages to choose their own fonts…” is checked and if your minimum font size is set any larger than 10, this is the cause of the issue.
Why haven’t I been getting the automated FVRL emails alerts for my
books that are due or my holds that are in?
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The problem is outside of the FVRL network and is likely the result of your Internet Service Provider (ISP) accidently blocking FVRL emails as junk mail/spam.
If you are not getting your courtesy reminder email notice, please try the following tips to help resolve the issue:
- Update your library account with your current email address by calling your local FVRL location or online by logging in to Your Account, clicking on Edit Email and ensuring that the email your have provided FVRL is typed correctly and is your current email address
- Check that your email inbox is not full and can accept additional email
- Check your Deleted email folder to see if the notice was accidently deleted
- Check your Spam and/or Junk email folder to see if your email provider is blocking emails from circadm@fvrlhp.fvrl.bc.ca. Also check your computer for any email scanning software programs (virus protection programs) that may be blocking email from circadm@fvrlhp.fvrl.bc.ca. If you find that this is the problem add the email address circadm@fvrlhp.fvrl.bc.ca to your address book or safe list
- Check your computer for personal firewall software programs that may be filtering or blocking email from circadm@fvrlhp.fvrl.bc.ca
- Make a note of the next due date of a borrowed item and calculate three days prior to that date, monitor your email to see if the notice comes in. If it does not, retry the above steps before contacting, via email, FVRL Email Notices at circadm@fvrlhp.fvrl.bc.ca
Please note that because automated email reminder notices are a courtesy to FVRL customers, it is still the borrowers responsibility to be aware of when their items are due and returning or renewing them on time. Overdue items will accrue fines until returned or renewed.
If you did not receive a notice that a requested item was in for you, you may always re-request it online through Your Account or you can call or visit your local FVRL location and staff would be happy to help re-order the item.
Because I didn’t get the automated email alerting me to my books being
due I didn’t return my borrowed items on time. Do I still have to pay the
overdue fines?
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Yes, you will still have to pay the fines for any overdue item. The reminder notices are a courtesy that FVRL provides to our customers. It is your responsibility as the borrower to ensure that you check and are aware of your borrowed items due dates and return items on time so as to not incur overdue charges.
When you check out any item at FVRL you are provided with a receipt that lists your items due dates. You can also check your due dates and/or renew your items online by logging into Your Account. Please note that the renewal function unavailable from 11 p.m to 2 a.m due to system processing.
Suggestion For Purchase FAQ
Where do I make a suggestion for purchase?
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We welcome your suggestions for purchase – to do so, you must first be logged in to your library account. Click My Account which will take you to login page of the FVRL catalogue. Once you are logged in, look to the left menu bar under Catalogue, select Suggest a Purchase. You will then be presented with a form for submitting your suggestion.
Will a request (hold) be placed for me if the title I suggest is purchased?
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Due to the volume of requests we receive, the Library is no longer able to place requests on suggested titles. We are also unable to notify you regarding the status of your suggestion. If the item is purchased, it will appear in the Library Catalogue, at which time you may place a request on it. Suggestions are usually considered within one month of submission.
If you are interested in receiving automatic email notification about new library materials that interest you, like the arrival of a new book by your favourite author, take advantage of MySearch Alerts.
Do you accept suggestions of materials for children and teens?
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Yes, the Library welcomes suggestions for all types of materials for all ages.
I like to read the books on bestseller lists; should I make a suggestion for purchase for titles I come across this way?
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You can count on the Library to order most books by popular and best selling authors. Please check the Library Catalogue periodically to place your request. Alternatively, you can sign up for MySearch Alerts and receive email notification about new library materials that interest you.
Chapters and Amazon, as well as authors’ and publishers’ websites, list books many months in advance of publication. When should I make a suggestion for purchase?
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Library staff consider titles for purchase well before their publication date and order most books in advance of publication. Suggestions for books will not be considered more than six months in advance of release, when specific publishing information is available.
I read the small mass-market paperbacks. Can I make suggestions for titles I think the Library should buy?
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The Library purchases mass-market paperbacks through both automatic release programs and individual title selection. You are welcome to make suggestions for paperbacks, however remember that many publishers’ series are too extensive for the library to buy all of the titles. Priority is given to completing series already owned by the Library.
I’ve noticed some series that I like to read are incomplete in the catalogue. Will the Library approve suggestions to complete a series?
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You are welcome to suggest titles to complete or fill gaps in a series. When deciding whether to purchase a series title, staff consider availability for purchase, established and on-going demand for the series, and format.
Does the Library consider older or out-of-print titles as suggestions for purchase?
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The Library does not usually acquire out-of-print titles, and older titles are difficult to obtain. You are welcome to submit a suggestion for purchase, however Inter-Library Loan may be a better alternative for these, and other specialized titles.
I like to watch movies at home. What movies is the Library likely to buy?
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Feature films are selected and purchased at least three months after their availability in local video stores. Suggestions for purchase are not accepted for up-coming or currently running feature films. Check the Library Catalogue for new titles.
The Library also buys movies that have had critical acclaim but limited theatrical release, as well as classic films on DVD. We no longer purchase VHS.
Most TV series are available on DVD as soon as the season is complete. Which series will the Library buy?
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The Library cannot acquire all the many TV series released on DVD. A series should be well reviewed by the critics and of general interest to our customers. Priority is given to TV series that are no longer available on television.
What about documentaries and how-to DVD’s; does the Library buy these?
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The Library buys a range of informational or documentary DVD’s, and you are welcome to make suggestions for such titles. Documentaries, however, may be too expensive when first released.
Please check the Materials’ Selection Policy for more information.
My Reading History FAQ
What is My Reading History?
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My Reading History is an opt-in feature that allows you to save a list of all the items you check out from FVRL. Your reading history is only available from your account, so library staff cannot look up or access your reading history. This service is optional and you will need to log in to your account and specifically select the service.
How do I opt-in to My Reading History?
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- Log in to Your Account
- Click on My Reading History
- Click on Opt In
The system will start saving a list of materials you borrow beginning with any titles you check out after you opt in. Anything checked out before you started saving your history will not be on the list.
Does Reading History allow me to see any item I have ever borrowed?
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No, My Reading History will only keep track of items borrowed AFTER you have opted in to the optional Reading History service.
Can I delete or stop saving my reading history?
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Yes, you can delete all or some of the titles on your list and you can opt out from the Reading History service at any time.
How do I delete individual item records?
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- Login to Your Account
- Click on My Reading History
- Click on the box to the left of the item you want to delete
- Click on Delete Marked
How do I delete my entire reading history?
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- Login to Your Account
- Click on My Reading History
- Click on Delete All
How do I opt out of the reading history service?
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- Login to Your Account
- Click on My Reading History
- Click on Delete All
- Click on Opt Out
* When you opt out of My Reading History you must delete all of the titles from your reading history before you can opt out of saving your history.
Who will have access to My Reading History?
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Library staff does not have access to your reading history because it can only be viewed through your online account with your card number and PIN.
What type of materials does My Reading History keep track of?
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Your reading history will keep track of everything that you borrow from FVRL, including DVDs, CDs, books, etc.
Can I export My Reading History?
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Yes, you can export your entire reading history via email.
How do I export My Reading History?
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- Login to Your Account
- Click on My Reading History
- Click on Export List
- Select format of the export list
- Enter your email address
- Click on Submit
Can I sort my reading history list by author, title, etc.?
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No, at this time you cannot sort the list.
MySearch, MySearch Alerts & My Lists FAQ
What is My Lists?
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You can use My Lists to group and keep track of what you have read, what you want to read, and more. My Lists allows you to save specific items or searches of the catalogue into your own descriptive lists. My Lists gives you the freedom to save a complete list of a particular author’s work or save specific entries into a categorized list.
To access or save items and searches into your My Lists you will need to log into Your Account.
How do I save items to My Lists?
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- Go to Search Catalogue
- Type your search terms for author, specific item, or category etc.
- To save a particular item, select it by clicking the box to the left of the item, and clicking Save to My Lists, alternately you can save all of the items on the page by clicking on Save All on Page and then clicking on Save to My Lists
- If you have not already, you will be prompted to login to Your Account when you click on Save to My Lists
- You can choose what list you wish to save the items to from the drop down menu or create and name a new list to save items to
- Click Submit to save records
How do I view the My Lists that I have created?
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- Login to Your Account
- Click on My Lists
- Select the list you wish to view
- From here you can delete the list, edit the list, or export the list to your email by using the buttons above the list
- You can also request items from your list by clicking on My Lists Request
What are MySearch (Preferred Search) and MySearch Alerts?
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You can use MySearches (Preferred Search) to save searches that you can easily return to whenever you want. Save searches by keyword, subject, author or title.
You can also choose to be notified by email when new items corresponding to any of your searches become available at FVRL. MySearch Alerts will automatically send you an email notice when the item you want, such as a new book by your favourite author or subject appears in the catalogue. The email alert includes the title of the item, the author, and a hyperlink to the online library catalogue, so that you can request it using your library card.
To create a new entry in MySearches you must be logged into Your Account.
How do I create a MySearch list?
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- Login to Your Account
- Search the catalogue by keyword, subject, author, or title
- Click on Save as MySearch
- Click Return to Your Record
- Click on MySearch to view all of your searches
- To view a particular search, click on the corresponding Search button
- Click on Mark for Email and then click Cancel/Update Selected to save choice to receive email notices when new items corresponding to this search appear in the FVRL catalogue (Email alerts are sent weekly)
How often will I receive MySearch Alerts and what are the different kinds of MySearch Alerts that I can sign up for?
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Email alerts are sent weekly and only when a new item related to your MySearch is available in the FVRL catalogue. You can sign up for email notification alerts based on your saved searches for:
- Title
- Author
- Keyword
- Subject
- Call Number
How many MySearch Alerts can I have?
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You may have up to 25 MySearch Alerts at one time.
How do I sign up for MySearch Alerts?
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- Login to Your Account
- Search the catalogue for the item you want
- Once you have your search result(s) then click on the button Save MySearch
- Click Your Account to return to your account information
- Click on the button MySearches, which will bring you to a list of your saved searches
- Look for the Mark for Email column and click the box next to the corresponding search for which you wish to receive an email alert
- Click on Save Changes
- You will receive email notification when items you want are added to the FVRL catalogue
How can I access, edit, or remove email notification of MySearch lists?
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- Login to Your Account
- Click on MySearches
- To view a particular search, click on the corresponding Search button
- Click Mark for Email if you want to be notified by email when the library receives new items that correspond to your search (Email alerts are sent weekly)
- Alternately you can click Mark to Remove or uncheck Mark for Email to delete the email notification option or entire search from your list
- Save your changes by clicking Cancel/Update Selected
How do I change my email address for alerts?
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The following instructions will change your email address for the entire FVRL system. Any email notification you receive from FVRL, such as requests ready for pick-up, almost due, and overdue, will be sent to this address.
- Log in to Your Account
- Click Edit Email
- Enter your new email address
- Click Submit
Why wasn't I notified of any new MySearches this week?
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MySearch Alert emails are sent weekly and you will be only notified when new items related to your MySearch are added to FVRL’s catalogue. When no new items are added that match your search, you will not receive an email that week.
My email message included "Your preferred search is too broad...". What does this mean?
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This means that your search matches too many titles for the email to accommodate, and you must go back and narrow your search terms. For example the search term fiction is too broad, you could narrow it down to a genre such as mystery or romance fiction.
Material Ratings FAQ
Can anyone rate items in the catalogue?
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Anyone with a FVRL card can rate items in the catalogue by logging into their account with their PIN.
How do I rate an item in the catalogue?
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You need to be logged into your account to rate items in the catalogue. If you are not currently logged in, simply click on a star in the item’s record, this will take you directly to the account login screen.
Once you are logged in, rate the item by clicking on the specific star that best represents your opinion of the item. For example you if you liked the material and would probably recommend it to others – you would assign it a 4-star rating.
When you are logged into your account you can view all items you have rated by clicking on My Ratings. From here you can also delete all the ratings you have given or delete ratings given to individual items.
What do the star ratings mean?
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The star rating system is based on your opinion of the material. The rating stars appear three different ways:
- If the item has not been rated by any library patron it will appear as five white stars in the item’s record.
- If you are logged into your account and have previously rated an item it will appear with yellow stars in its record.
- If other library patrons have rated an item, or you are not logged into your account, the rated item will appear with blue stars in its record.
If other library patrons have rated the same item you will see a group-rating message appear when you mouse over the stars. For example: Rated 4 stars out of 5 based on 8 ratings.
Explanation of Ratings:
- 5 Blue Stars Loved it - would definitely recommend.
- 4 Blue Stars Liked it – probably would recommend.
- 3 Blue Stars It was okay – would maybe recommend.
- 2 Blue Stars Disliked it – would probably not recommend.
- 1 Blue Star Extremely disliked it – would definitely not recommend.
- 5 White Stars Has not yet been rated.
How do I change a rating I previously gave to an item?
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You can change any rating you have previously given to a particular item by logging into your account and clicking on My Ratings. Locate the item you want to change the rating of. Click on the star that corresponds to the new rating you would like to assign the item.
How long will my ratings stay in the catalogue?
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Your ratings will remain in the catalogue and in your account record until you delete them from My Ratings list. To delete any or all of your ratings:
- Login to Your Account
- Click on My Ratings
- Click on the box to the left of any individual item rating and click on Delete Marked or alternately click on Delete All to delete all ratings you have given
How do I change a rating I previously gave to an item?
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You can change any rating you have previously given to a particular item by logging into your account and clicking on My Ratings. Locate the item you want to change the rating of. Click on the star that corresponds to the new rating you would like to assign the item.
