General

Why do I see the catalog called by different names: iPac, HIP, or Library Catalog?

    The name of the product used to search and display our catalog has been renamed by the vendor a number of times.  It has been called Pac, iPac, and HIP.  We are phasing out the use of vendor names and will now refer to our catalog as the OCL Library Catalog, or more simply, the Library Catalog. (Back to top)

Do you have the Library Catalog training classes?

    We have not yet set up formal classes but please take advantage of our "Ask a Librarian" program. Call your local branch, or any of our twenty branches in Ocean County and make an appointment with a librarian for instructions on how to use iPAC. Many branches are open 9-9 Monday through Thursday and 9-5 on Saturday. We also have Sunday hours from 1-5 @ Lakewood, Toms River and Stafford. (Back to top)

The ALT-Back Arrow key combination doesn't work right.

    In Windows versions of Internet Explorer prior to 6, the ALT-Back Arrow key combination, which can be used to go back to a previous screen, can become messed up requiring it to be entered multiple times in order to go back to the previous page. We recommend upgrading your browser to IE6.(Back to top)

New Items or Bestseller

Where is the Best Seller list and the New and Recommended list?

    This feature is not yet available in this version of our library catalog. We are in the process of customizing it.
    For the time being, we suggest you check out our Readers Advisory page and try some of lists offered there, including the following link to the New York Times book lists: http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/index.html.
    Please be advised that we may not yet own all the titles on their list. (Back to top)

You used to have a listing of the latest DVD acquisitions. What happened to it?

    You can get this list by clicking on the Search tab and then clicking on the New Videos Link.(Back to top)

Search Library Catalog

How can I search by singer or movie star?

    The General Keyword Search will find all movies or musical recordings that include the singer or actor you are looking for.(Back to top)

How can I search for a list of the latest large print materials?

    In the Library Catalog, select Keyword Search, and then choose the General Keyword Search.
    Type in the words "large print" and click on the Go button.
    You will pull up a list of over 7,000 titles in large print, so the next step is to sort them so that the titles with the newest publication dates are listed at the top.
    In the Sort By window, click on the black arrow to view your choices, select "publication date" and click on the Go button. Your list will re-sort with newest publication dates at the top. You will at least be able to see which titles were published in 2003, although you may already have read some of these titles. (Back to top)

Apply for an Account

Why can’t I get into the Library Catalog?

    It may be that you are using an old bookmark from our previous library catalog. Please bookmark the following address, which is the newest hyperlink from our Library Catalog page.
    http://209.212.21.134/polaris/ (Back to top)

My barcode will not register on the Library Catalog.

    The new system requires that you enter either 7 or 14 digits, without spaces. After you enter your barcode, press the Tab Key and type in your PIN and press the Enter key. Pressing the Enter key after entering your barcode will cause an error. If your barcode number still does not work, call your local branch and ask them to verify your account information.(Back to top)

What is a PIN?

    A PIN is a four digit number needed to access your account either via the online library catalog or through Telecirc. A PIN is necessary to protect your privacy. If you didn’t give us a PIN before we changed over to the new system, we used the last four digits of your phone number. If you would like to change your PIN, please notify the library, or you can change it yourself via our online library catalog. Go to “My Account”, Click on Customer Information, scroll down to PIN and make the change. (Back to top)

Renew an item

How can I Renew items?

    After you log into the Library Catalog, click on the “My Account” Tab. Enter your library barcode and then your four-digit PIN. Click on “Items Out” link. This will display a list of all the items you have checked out. If you want to try to renew all of the items you have out, click on the box directly under the Renew button at the top of the list, and all items will be checked for renewal. If you want to only renew selected items, enter a check mark for each item you would like to renew.
    After you select the items you would like to renew, click on the “Renew” button located at the top or bottom of the list. If an item cannot be renewed you will be alerted with the following message: One or more of your items did not renew. Please scroll down for details. For items that have been renewed scroll to the item to view the new Due Date.
    Also you can try to renew via our automated telephone system, TeleCirc. Instructions are on the website.
    Or you could call any of our 20 branches and they will renew for you. (Back to top)

My items won’t renew.

    There are numerous reasons an item doesn't renew. Even if an item is old it could be on hold for another customer and this will prevent a renewal. There is a limit to the number of times you can renew an item (twice) before you must return it. And, some copies of our newest titles are not renewable, to ensure that there are "browser" copies on the shelf.
    If you get an error message during business hours, please call (732 349-6200, x864) or e-mail the Technology department at any time and we will try and remedy the problem. (Back to top)

I don’t have a PC - how can I renew items?

    You can renew your items using our automated telephone system, Telecirc, 24 hours a day, or you can call any of our 20 branches during business hours and they will renew for you. (Back to top)

Request an item

I think I placed a request but how do I know it took?

    You can check your Holds Request list on “My Account”. After you log into the Library Catalog click on the “My Account” Tab. Enter your 14-digit library barcode and then your four-digit PIN. You can view items you have requested. The first section will list items ready to be picked up. The second half is requested items not yet available. If you don’t find an item on either list, then it was canceled or expired. You can cancel it from either list if you have changed your mind.
    Or you could call any of our 20 branches and they will verify your request list for you. (Back to top)

I placed a request on a book that is “checked in” but I am still waiting.

    Even if a book is listed as "checked in" at a branch it might not be available to fill your request. It could be a browser's copy or a reference copy. These are not eligible for requests. If you tried to place a hold on one of these, you should have received a message that this item was not available for requests. If your request apparently “took”, and if you have been waiting longer than a few days for a book that was “checked in”, please call the branch and they will try to locate a copy for you. (Back to top)

Tell me about E-mail Notification

    It is the most efficient and fastest way to get notification of your overdues and request items that are being held for you. If you choose to be notified by e-mail, then our automated telephone system (Telecirc) will not call you.
    If you would like to take advantage of e-mail notification please use the e-mail form on our website, Email notification, or call your local branch to update your account.
    If your email system uses filtering and messages from the library appear in your junk mail or bulk mail folders, add us to your accept list or remove us from your filtered list in order to receive email from us in your In Box. (Back to top)

I get the following message when I am trying to make a request "Your request cannot be filled because no requestable items exist for this title."

    Please be advised, this is a generic message. If you get this message when trying to place a request using the “Request this Copy” button, scroll to the top of the record and click on the “Request this Title” button. Only use the “Request this Copy” button for volume specific items, some of which may not allow requests for a variety of reasons. For example: This message will display when an underage user tries to request an "R" rated DVD or Video. This message will display if you try to request a non-circulating item (reference) or a Browser’s copy item. (Back to top)

How do I request new or current materials not owned by the library?

    The best way to request materials, especially those by popular authors, is to call or visit the branch location where you wish to pick up the items. Staff will help you fill out a Request for Materials form and then forward the information to the appropriate selection committee for purchase consideration. A hold will be placed for you if the title is selected for the library. You can suggest titles for purchase via the Ask-a-Librarian page on our website. If you decide to make your request with e-mail instead of visiting or calling, please be sure to include your name, library card number, and telephone number. We also need the library location where you would like to pick up materials. Include as much information as possible about the title requested such as author, title, publisher, whether new or older material, fiction or non-fiction subject, and format, print, video, music etc. One of the best ways to make sure you have all the information correct on your request form (which can speed up how long things take) is to search your title in WorldCat. WorldCat is a free database of books owned by thousands of libraries. It can be a great resource to track down things you can’t find in our catalog. (Back to top)

How do I borrow a book from another library system (outside Ocean County) through the interlibrary loan service?

    We cannot yet provide interlibrary loan service via our online catalog or website. Please call or visit the branch location where you wish to pick up the materials. Staff will help you fill out a Request for Materials form. The form enables us to make sure we get all the information we need to search interlibrary loan, to explain ILL procedures and to report back to you. One of the best ways to make sure you have all the information correct on your request form (correct information can speed up how long things take) is to search WorldCat for your title. WorldCat is a free database of books owned by thousands of libraries. It can be a great resource to track down things you can’t find in our catalog. (Back to top)

Why can’t I use my browser’s back and forward buttons in the catalog?

If you use your browser’s back and forward buttons, you might get an error message that says, “Warning: Page has expired.” To move around within the catalog, please use the tabs and buttons provided.

At the catalog terminals in the library buildings, browser back and forward buttons are disabled to protect our customers’ privacy (if we did not do this, you might be able to see other customers’ account and searching information). (Back to top)