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Library Notification Methods
Did You Know: Options on Library Account Notification Methods
Choices of Library Notification Method:
Did you know that you have a choice in how the library notifies you about activities related to your library account? You have two ways to receive notices regarding requested items which are now ready for pick-up or materials which are due or overdue.
- E-mail. This option includes advance notices of upcoming due dates.
- Automated telephone call.
If you prefer notices sent to you via e-mail, you select which e-mail address you wish to have notices delivered to.
Advantages to choosing e-mail as your preferred notification option include:
- Identification of specific titles of the materials ready for pick-up, or which are due or overdue. To preserve individual privacy, telephone notification does not disclose the titles of materials.
- Advance notice of upcoming due dates:
If you select the e-mail option, you will automatically receive a notice prior to your library materials being due. You are prompted to return items before any fines begin to accrue.
Library Account E-mail Notification
If you currently receive your account notification by telephone, switching to e-mail notification is easy.
To sign up for library account e-mail notification:
From the e-mail account you would like us to use, please send your request to helpdesk@piercecountylibrary.org
With your request, please include:
- Your first and last name.
- Your library barcode number, located on the back of your library card.
- Your telephone number may also be helpful.
Computer help desk staff will make the change as soon as possible. Please allow a few business days.
To change the e-mail address you wish the notification to be sent:
If you would like to change the e-mail address for notification your library account, please send the following to helpdesk@piercecountylibrary.org:
- The old e-mail address.
- The new e-mail address.
- Names and library card numbers of each account that you wish this change to be made.
You may also contact the help desk by phone at 253-536-6059.
If you have already signed up for e-mail notification and are not receiving notices as expected, please see our Computer FAQs page for more information.
Telephone Notification
If you prefer to be notified via telephone, you specify which phone number is to be called regarding activities on your account.
The calls will be made automatically by our computerized telephone system, "HAL" (Helpful Automated Librarian), using a pre-recorded message. As a quick identifier, each message begins with a distinctive voice saying "This is Hal, your helpful automated librarian."
HAL is capable of leaving a voice message. If HAL is unable to connect (busy line without messaging capability, etc.), it will make a maximum of two more attempts at a later time.
Advantages to choosing telephone as your preferred notification option include:
- Because the phone message does not include titles or customer names, confidentiality is preserved.
- Telephone notification does not require you to check your e-mail to receive notices.
Note: Telephone notification does not include advance notice of items that will shortly become due. By the time you receive a phone message regarding items due, those items will already be overdue and are accruing fines.
Verifying or Adjusting the Method Assigned to Your Account
Your library account can be adjusted to reflect your preferred method of notification. Each account may have only one method assigned to it, for all its account notices.
If you wish to verify which method is currently set on your account, or to make preference changes, please contact the help desk at helpdesk@piercecountylibrary.org or by phone, 253-536-6059, or contact any of 17 Pierce County Libraries.
If you currently receive U.S. mail notifications, you may change to e-mail or phone notification. Read more >>