| Frequently
Asked Questions |
|
| I am having problems using the online catalog. | |
| I have an AOL browser and I can't place more than one request. | |
| Help -- I can no longer access the library's online catalog (IPac). | |
| What do I need to get a library card? | |
| Can the same library card be used at all of the branch libraries? | |
| What happens if my library card is lost or stolen? | |
| How long can I keep a book? | |
| How long can I keep a video or DVD? | |
| Can I return my items at a branch library? | |
| How do I renew library materials? | |
| What are the fines for books and videos? For a lost library card? | |
| Does the library accept donations? | |
| Can a patron buy a book on the shelves? | |
| How many items can I borrow? | |
| How do I request an item (place a hold on an item) that is currently checked out? | |
| How many audios can I check out? | |
| What is the name of the mural on the second floor of the Main Library? | |
| I am having problems using the online catalog. | |
| Online
catalog users - we are having some problems with our online catalog and
are currently troubleshooting. You may have a problem logging in or searching.
We apologize for the inconvenience and are working to correct the problem
as quickly as possible. Renewal or checking your account is available via the Telecirc system - 261-5771 from your telephone. Library Staff can also assist you during regular hours with renewing items or placing holds. Please contact your branch or call the Main Library staff at 261-5785 (renewals), Info Desk staff at 261-5787 (requesting adult or teen books), or Children's staff at 261-5779 (assistance with Children's books). |
|
| I have an AOL browser and I can't place more than one request. | |
 Most
AOL users are able to use the iPac library catalog successfully with their
AOL browser. Some AOL users cannot place more than one request on the
iPac library catalog without logging out and logging back into iPac.A solution to
this problem is to use Internet Explorer (IE) or Netscape while you are
using iPac. If you prefer, you can change back to your AOL browser when
you are not using iPac.Check on the Start
menu on your computer under Programs for Internet Explorer or check your
desktop for an IE icon. (If you are using AOL dialup, after you start
up your connection with AOL, minimize the AOLbrowser and open IE.) |
|
|
If you can't find IE, try the following: Click on the Start menu. Click on the Run command. Enter iexplore.exe in the text box and click OK. AOL 9.0 and Topspeed: AOL 9.0 has a feature called TopSpeed which uses web page caching to speed up Web surfing. (This means that the AOL browser stores a copy of web pages on your local PC and uses those pages instead of going back over the Internet to get a new page display. This speeds up or accelerates your Internet connection because it reduces traffic.) We believe it is TopSpeed that is causing the problem with placing requests. If you don't want to use IE, we recommend that you turn off TopSpeed and clear the AOL browser cache. The following instructions are from the AOL help screens on TopSpeed (you will be leaving the library system's web site) To turn off TopSpeed: To clear the AOL
browser cache: |
|
| Help -- I can no longer access the library's online catalog (iPac). | |
| After
successfully using iPac for months, you find you can no longer search
or access your account. You've heard the ads about surfing "faster." The way the ISPs do this is to have an "accelerator" in their software. The accelerator enables faster downloads. Unfortunately, these accelerators are causing a problem in accessing iPac due to the way they split the files you are downloading (to gain a faster download overall). This is a problem for iPac. Particularly because we use the nontraditional"http" port of 8080 instead of port 80. This could be the problem if: |
|
| You
recently downloaded an accelerator or something to help speed up your
Internet downloads. You recently changed Internet providers. You downloaded an upgrade to your ISP's software. Often these upgrades include an accelerator. |
|
| To use iPac, you will need to disable the accelerator at least for the iPac web site. Usually, you can do this without entirely disabling the accelerator feature. After you've done this, clear your browser cache (temporary Internet files and history), and then restart the browser (with the accelerator disabled) to see if you can now get to iPac. | |
| • This is a
known problem with Eatel and BellSouth.net. • It is also a problem with the AOL 9.0 software, which includes an accelerator. You can also try minimizing AOL and using Internet Explorer from your desktop to search the iPac instead of using it from the AOL software window. |
|
| If you still encounter problems, please e-mail Computer Services and include the following information: | |
| Your
operating system (e.g. WinXP, WinME, Mac OSx, etc.) The web browser and version you use (e.g. IE 5.5, Netscape 6, etc.) Your Internet Service Provider (e.g. AOL, Cox, BellSouth, Eatel, etc.) If you have dial up service, DSL, or a cable connection |
|
| What do I need to get a library card? | |
|
A patron wishing to borrow library materials, use a library computer workstation, or have remote access to the library's electronic resources must have a valid library card. A patron with a valid library card and in good standing with the library may check out library material in accordance with material type restrictions, and use computer workstations and electronic resources following the Lafayette Public Library's Electronic Resources Policy. Children: Children from birth to 8th grade are issued their own library cards. A child's parent, grandparent, or legal guardian must apply for the card and provide current proof of residency, employment, or attendance of school in Lafayette Parish. A person other than parent, stepparent, grandparent or legal guardian cannot make application. The child and guardian must be present when applying for the card. Exceptions are made for homebound parents or children, and specific groups with prior library permission. Adults: Individuals
from the 8th grade and above may get a library card on their on recognizance.
In the summer before they enter high school, eighth graders may apply
for a card without a parent being present. The individual must provide
current proof of residency, employment, or attendance of school in Lafayette
Parish. The patron must apply for the library card in person. Exceptions
are made for homebound individuals or specific groups with prior library
permission. |
|
| For
specific information on qualifying for a library card, please call 261-5785.
The card is free. We also issue library cards to cardholders of surrounding
Bayouland member library systems with proper ID. |
|
| Can the same library card be used at all of the branch libraries? | |
| Yes,
the bar-coded library card can be used at any branch in the Lafayette
Public Library system. |
|
| What happens if my library card is lost or stolen? | |
|
Notify the library immediately by calling (337) 261-5785. The cost for
a replacement library card is $2.00.. |
|
| How long can I keep a book? | |
|
Most books check out
for three weeks. Bestsellers check out for two weeks. |
|
| How long can I keep a video or a DVD? | |
| Videos
check out for three weeks. DVDs check out for one week. |
|
| Can I return my items at a branch library? | |
| Yes,
your items can be returned at any library location in the Lafayette Public
Library system, regardless of where they were checked out. |
|
| How do I renew library materials? | |
| Library
materials can be renewed for a limited number of times as long as there
are no outstanding requests for an item. Items can be renewed on line
at our Web site, www.lafayette.lib.la.us
by clicking on the Renew
Books button; by calling 261-5771 for 24-hour renewal service; or
by calling 261-5784 during regular business hours. Items can be renewed
after the due date; however, late fees are charged. For more detailed instructions on renewing library materials online, click here. |
|
| What are the fines for books and videos? For a lost library card? | |
| 5¢ per day up to a $2.00 maximum per item for | |
| •most library books and audio materials | |
| 25¢ per day up to a $2.00 maxium for: | |
| •interlibrary loan items: Items borrowed from any other library outside Lafayette Parish | |
| 25¢ per day up to a $5.00 maximum per item for : | |
| •DVD and VHS tapes | |
| Additional Charges | |
| •$2.00
for a replacement library card •$1.00 per removed or damaged barcode •$1.00 per damamged bag or case •For lost items you are charged the price of the item plus a $5.00 replacement/processing fee. |
|
| At
this time, the Library cannot take credit/debit cards. Effective 8/15/05: "In accordance with Ordinance O-198-2005 of Lafayette City/Parish Council, if any payment is made to the Lafayette Public Library for any fine, permit, license or other fee or service with a check which is returned as unpaid by reason of insufficient funds, the drawer of the check shall be charged a service charge of $25.00 or 5% of the face amount of the check, whichever is greater." |
|
| Does the library accept donations? | |
|
The Lafayette Public
Library gratefully accepts monetary contributions as well as donations
of books and other library materials. Contributions can be made to the
library in memory of or in honor of a particular individual or organization.
A designated book or other material will bear a book plate to include
the name of the individual, providing a lasting token of their legacy.
Donations
of used books and other library materials are also appreciated. These
donations are either added to the library's collections or resold during
the Friends Book Sales. The profits from the Friends' sales generate
funds for various library programs. For more information on how and
where to make your generous donation, please call 261-5775. |
|
| Can a patron buy a book on the shelves? | |
| No.
Books on our shelves are not for sale. Library books can be borrowed.
After an item has outlived its usefulness to the library, the library
requests permission from the Parish Council to remove it from the collection.
Once approval is given, the books are donated to the Friends of the Library
for sale at their Book Sale, at which time you may purchase any discarded
library item that is offered. |
|
| How many items can I borrow? | |
| Currently
you are allowed to have up to 50 items checked out on your record at any
one time. Some collections have specific limits, such as, our DVD collection
and audio books collections. These limits are based on the size of certain
collections and public demand. |
|
| How do I request an item (place a hold on an item) that is currently checked out? | |
There
are several ways a patron can "place a hold" or request an item that is
currently checked out:
|
|
| How many audios can I check out? | |
| Effective May, 18 2009, the number of music CDs that may be checked out per library card is 10. | |
| What is the name of the mural on the second floor of the Main Library? | |
| There
comes a time when canvas simply cannot express what you want to say. Murals
were the answer. I have completed several murals, but the commission to paint for the Lafayette Parish Public Library is the most important and the largest and certainly the most exciting. I've named the painting “ELIPSE”. Because it is an abstract, contemporary painting, free of a hard and fast message, the viewer is left to think and see for himself. "ELIPSE" suggest familiar shapes, but will allow the viewer to simply enjoy colors and form. I think it's important to see that tradition and new ideas both have a meaningful place in the culture of Lafayette. When businesses, clubs and private citizens can see the freshness and value of “something different”, there’s hardly a chance Lafayette will be just an ordinary city. --- Tina Cook, Artist
BIOGRAPHY: Justyna Kurijlas Cook --From El Dorado, Arkansas --Graduated from Henderson State College, Arkadelphia, AR --Listed in “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities” for 2 consecutive years. --Have had 4 one-man shows in Arkansas and Lafayette and New Orleans --Exhibited in juried state shows |
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