There are variations on this theme: I used to be #1 on the list, but I dropped to #46...I've been #1 on the list for sixteen weeks, but other people are getting the item before me...

We are very concerned about our patrons getting the items they requested. So much so that we have set up a system to deal with these requests exclusively. If you have a concern about the state of your item request, please fill out the missing request form and our Hold-Finder will do their best to track down what happened and get you some answers, as well as your item.

If you have questions about this process, please e-mail the Hold-Finder.

Please note, this does not apply to Interlibrary Loans (items requested from outside the New Castle County TIPCat Libraries); all bets are off when it comes to ILLs and how long they can take to be filled. We do our best, but there are an enormous amount of factors involved in filling those requests. If you have a question about the status of your ILL request, please contact the ILL librarian at the library where you placed the request.

To place a hold, the button you want is "Request 1st Available" in most cases. There is also a tutorial for when to use "Request This Copy Only."

The first thing that may be holding you up is how you placed the request. If you used the "Request This Copy Only" option, it will take much longer to get your item than if you had used "Request 1st Available." The "Request This Copy Only" option creates havoc when it isn't used in the minority of cases for which it was designed: when an item comes in multiple volumes, like magazines and multi-part audiobooks. As was pointed out in the previous question, to place a request, the button you want is "Request 1st Available" in most cases. Look for the tutorial about when to use "Request This Copy Only."

Another reason your item may not be coming to you is that it may be the only copy of that item, and it is now unavailable. For example, if you put a request on the only copy of a book, and the person who had it before you lost it, you would sit on the request list until your request time expired. There are many ways an item may become unavailable, so your best recourse is to ask the staff at your local library about it.

A simple reason may be that we have incorrect information about you in our patron database. If you are set to receive e-mail notification, we may have a misspelling or incorrect address. Otherwise, we may have an old phone number and address. If you have changed your personal information, please notify the library staff. Please bring ID with your current information on it with you when you update your information.

...Of course, we're not perfect, either. We've set up a system to attempt to track requests that have otherwise gone poof! Just fill out the missing request form and we'll try to track it down for you.

There are always computer glitches that may cause your requests to get lost, your account information to have bugs and not send you e-mail, or your card to expire before it should. If you've eliminated the other answers as possible sources of the problem, please e-mail the Library Webmaster with your name and barcode, being as specific about the problem as possible.

Unfortunately, if you ignore this process, the default is 30 days. So if you don't specify every time when you want the suspended hold to reactivate, it will reactivate in 30 days whether you want it to or not.

For more information, see the "Vacation Holds - Revised" tutorial.

As for renewing, it’s under the “My Account” tab and the “Items Out” function, while in the catalog.

There's a step-by-step walkthrough of the renewal process for clarification.

If there is some problem with your account that is keeping you from renewing your items, (other than those listed above) we need to know about it. Please e-mail the Library Webmaster with your name and barcode, and be as specific about the problem as you can. Also, please note that the Library Webmaster is not available to renew your items over e-mail.

Even if you are having problems with your account and your local library is normally closed (like Elsmere is closed on Wednesdays), there are other locations open that can serve your needs: contact any of the open libraries for service. In the event that all branches are closed due to a weather emergency or a holiday, your items will not actually be due since we are all closed.

Unfortunately, if you wait until after all of the branches are closed for the evening on the day your items are due to attempt to renew your items and you run into a problem such as an expired card or an item being on hold, you will accrue fines.

With the advent of our libraries going online, most of our libraries also post their programming information on their home pages. To access your local library’s page, go to http://www.nccdelib.org/ and click on Where's My Local Library?.

The library gladly provides computers, high speed internet, and access to the basic suite of MS Office products to our patrons...but it is up to the individual user to know how to use them. The reference staff can only provide limited assistance (start-up procedures, basic logins) and is unable to provide in-depth assistance to our computer users. Computer users are expected to have basic computer skills and to be able to work independently. Patrons need to be able to use a mouse and a keyboard, and they need to have a basic understanding of how MS Windows works. If you are a novice user, or can't work independently, there are computer classes available at the library and at NCCo Community Centers that can provide more in-depth instruction and assistance. If you are interested in classes please contact your local library directly (either in person or by phone).

So what does "limited assistance" mean? It means we can show you how to open MS Word - even get you into a template to type your résumé - but you are responsible for writing and editing your document. We can show you how to open up Internet Explorer and introduce you to search engines and databases, but you are required to have basic internet skills and surf the web independently. If you need an e-mail account we can show you where to sign up for one, but you'll need to apply for it on your own. If you need to apply for a job online, we can usually get you started, but you are responsible for filling out and submitting the application. If you need to do some research online, we can suggest where and how to start, but you are expected to be able to perform that research independently. If you have computer problems or questions you can call us over to take a look, but we may not be able to help you. The reference desk is not a technical support desk; we do not offer computer support or troubleshooting for websites other than those affiliated with the library website. If you require technical support or run into problems with non-library-related websites you will need to contact your Internet Service Provider (e-mail provider, etc.) or the website that is not working.

The short answer: library staff can get you started, but after that you are on your own.

Unfortunately, not all of the New Castle County TIPCat Libraries have meeting rooms. So those libraries that do have meeting rooms keep their own scheduling books for their rooms.

Basically, if you want to book a meeting room at a particular library, you need to contact that library directly (either in person or by phone) and ask about availability.

You can use this form to apply, but applications are only accepted in paper at the specific location whose facilities you wish to use - we are not accepting applications electronically at this time.

Please read our policy statement before submitting your application.

Each library is responsible for its own materials and selection. So if you want to see a particular item in your local library, contact your local library (either in person or by phone) and ask them about it. We all gladly accept such suggestions: we’re here for your information needs, so we want to hear what you want on our shelves.

For a more detailed look at what happens during the donation process, refer to the Journey of a Donated Book.

There is a help page provided by the County that deals with the various setting problems that may interfere with your connection to the databases. Please check this file against the settings on your computer. If you still have problems after ensuring that your settings are correct, please e-mail the Library Webmaster with your name and barcode, and be as specific about the problem as you can.

The links provided are for ease of use while within the libraries and will not function outside a TIPCat library.

Part-time circulation employment is handled locally by the individual library. See the staff at the library for more details and whether there are openings.

Full-time employment, and Reference Desk employment, is handled through the New Castle County Human Resources department. Postings are listed on their web site, and also at job posting locations within the libraries.

New Castle County employment applications are available at the libraries.