Although our new catalog and accounts system has been in place for more than a month now, we have been testing and fine-tuning features that were not available at launch.

So this week we’re happy to rollout a new option for added privacy and another for mobile text fans. You can opt-in to these features from the “Change My Info” section of your online account.

Usernames
For added privacy, you now have the option to create an alternate username for your online account.

• Hold Slips – Your username (between six and 25 characters) will be your alias on hold slips
• Log into your Account – If you create an alternated username, you can log into your account with your username plus your PIN (Personal Identification Number)
• Forgot your username? You can always still log into your account with your Library card number plus your PIN
• You can change your username at any time

Don’t want a username? If you don’t choose a username, your real name will continue to appear on your hold slips and you will log into your account using your library card number and your PIN.

Text Alerts 
For mobile texting fans, the new catalog system now offers the option to sign up for hold alerts and courtesy reminders via text message. Overdue reminders by text will be added in coming weeks.

• Real Time – Texts will be sent throughout the day, as soon as information about your account becomes available (email notices are sent once a day)
• Supplemental – Text alerts are a supplemental to our current notification system; you will still receive scheduled email or phone notices along with text alerts
• Each cell phone number can only be used once – family members can’t use the same number for text alerts for different library cards (unlike emails which can use one address)
• Text alerts can be activated – or deactivated – at any time through your account

Again, these new options are… optional. Try them if you like and if you don’t wish to use them anymore, just opt out.

Thank you to all our customers for the overwhelmingly positive responses we’ve received regarding the new system. And thank you for sharing your concerns too. As with any technology upgrade, there are always item that need adjustment and we’re on the case. Please bear with us as some may take several weeks as we work with our contractor.

And as some may have missed our earlier postings on why a new catalog was needed, here’s a recap:

• The old system was 12 years old and technically outdated
• The maintenance contract on the old system was expiring
• The new system is cheaper, better and faster
• The new system pays for itself in less than four year because of less maintenance costs
• New system was purchased as joint project with Arlington Public Schools and Friends of Library