Your Account - access your account to see what's on your card, renewals, holds, etc.

Holds - Information about problems placing holds, holds for on order items, local holds only, specific issue or volume holds, and no postage fees.

Problems Accesing Your Account

If you are having problems accessing "Your Account", the following suggestions may help to access this feature:

• Make sure you are using a current browser.
• Internet Explorer 5.5 or highe
• Netscape 7 or higher
• Mozilla 1.5 or higher
• To determine which version you have, click on the Menu option "Help" at the very top of your browser (not the Help next to Community Info in the Catalog). Then click on "About."
• Make sure you have javascript enabled.
• In IE, click on Tools, Internet Options, Advanced tab, scroll down to Microsoft VM, box next to "JT compiler for virtual machine enabled" should be checked.
• In Netscape, click on Edit, Preferences, Advanced, box next to "Java enabled" should be checked.
• In Mozilla, click on Edit, Preferences, Advanced, box next to "Enable Java" should be checked
• Make sure you clear your cache
• In IE, click on Tools, Internet Optoins, at General tab and Temporary Internet Files box, click on delete files.
• In Netscape, click on Edit, Preferences, Advanced, Cache, Clear Cache.
• In Mozilla, click on Edit, Preferences, Advanced, Cache, Clear Cache.
• Make sure you are not using old bookmarks or shortcuts Link to "Your Account" has changed with the new software
• Pop-up blocker software might cause a problem accessing "Your Account"
• Pin numbers should be the last four digits of your current phone number. Stop at the Circulation Desk or Information Desk or call 236-5202 to have a pin number changed.

If none of these suggestions help, please contact the Reference Desk, 236 - 5205 or send us an email via our AskAway form (email will be sent to OPL Reference Desk).

Holds

Problems Placing a Hold

After trying to place a hold, if you receive an error message or the hold doesn't show on your account, this may due to several reasons:

• The pin number you are entering may be different than what is currently on your patron record or needs to be reactivated.
• Your card could be expired. Library cards expire once a year. No date appears on the cards. Staff needs to verify address information and telephone number to renew the card. An expired card may keep a borrower from placing holds or renewing items. This must be done at the Circulation Desk. If your card is about to expire and you try to renew items online, they will only be renewed until the card's expiration date.
• Your account is blocked due to fines and overdue items in excess of $5.00.
• If you have placed a hold on a specific issue or volume/part, your hold will not appear immediately on Your Account information.

Local Holds Only

If other libraries have set their new items to accept only holds from their residents and Oshkosh does not own it or have a copy on order, an Oshkosh attempt to place a hold will fail. Call 236-5202 to request that we purchase it.

Specific Issue or Volume

Generally use the "Place Hold" button at the left of the item record, rather than "Place Hold on a Specific Issue or Volume". Save the "Specific Issue" link for multipart things like Part 2 of a 3-part series or a specific volume (ex. Volume 2 of an Encyclopedia), or a specific issue (ex. The January issue of a magazine). Issue specific holds will not appear immediately on the "Your Account" list. If the list is missing things you did place on hold, before or after the switch, please call 236-5202 for assistance.

No Postage Fees
The Oshkosh Public Library Board has eliminated the postage fee for printed mailed hold notices.

Continue to Report Problems
We appreciate your willingness to let us know when things are not working for you. The information you provide is what we need to diagnose and fix problems. Sometimes the first solutions create new difficulties, so let us know if your problem continues or changes. Call 236-5202 or 236-5205 to report a problem and give us the opportunity to get you what you need another way. Thank you.

Who can get a card:
To be issued an Oshkosh Public Library card a person must be physically present in an Oshkosh Public Library facility, provide adequate identification and complete an application. The first library card for an individual is free.

The Library reserves the right to determine the library privileges each borrower will receive and reserves the right to limit such privileges. Most limitations are in response to the borrower's abuse of privileges. If more information is needed, please contact the Circulation Librarian at 236-5203.

The Oshkosh Public Library provides equal opportunity for service without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation or mental or physical handicap. Exceptions to the "physically present" requirement are made for children whose parent is getting a card for them, for people with disabilities who are unable to come to the library, and for school groups getting cards in advance of tours. There are no age restrictions - library cards are issued to infants as a way of stressing the importance of reading aloud to young children. There are no residency requirements but ID confirming your current address must be presented. Wisconsin's 17 public library systems have agreements on funding and reciprocity which are the basis for this broad eligibility for service. An Oshkosh library card can be used to obtain borrowing privileges at all Fox Valley public libraries and most other public libraries in Wisconsin.

Public library cards from various area libraries are interchangeable because these libraries share a computerized circulation system. The libraries honor each other's cards and borrowing rules. Restrictions at one library will be enforced at all libraries in the system. The same bar-coded library card will work at all of the libraries. Acceptable identification: One or more of the following forms of identification that list BOTH the name and current address of the person applying for the card:

• Driver's license
• Wisconsin state ID
• Student ID from an educational institution
• Printed check, utility bill or postmarked envelope.
• Hunting and fishing licenses are NOT acceptable.

People under age 18 may present their own identification or the identification of a parent or legal guardian. If a person's identification does not list a current address or if the parent's or legal guardian's identification is not available, the library card will be mailed to the person, or in the case of a child, to the parent or legal guardian, to verify residency. Five items may be checked out on an unverified card. A patron is not required to present the library card in order to check out material if the registration has been completed and the patron can verify his or her identity through other ID or information. Patrons are responsible for all material checked out on their library card until the library card is reported lost or stolen.

How to Renew Your Card:
My library card is about to expire, what do I do? Call your local library. What you need to do to renew your card varies from library to library. Some libraries may require you to verify your current address in person, others may accept renewals over the phone. Some libraries may require you to pay part or all of your fines before renewing.

Library card privileges expire every 12 months and must be renewed. The card itself does not need to be replaced, nor is there a fee for renewing your card. Having cards expire helps us keep our database current and insures that all library correspondence goes to the correct address.

If your card is about to expire and you try to renew items online, they will only be renewed until the card's expiration date.

1. The Oshkosh Public Library, in order to fulfill its mission, provides Internet access for the public to use electronic information resources. Patrons can choose to use the computers provided by the library or to use their own equipment (laptops, palm devices, etc.). If using their own equipment, they will still be expected to comply with provisions of the Internet Access policy from which they are not specifically exempted.

2. The Oshkosh Public Library provides links to Internet sites selected by the staff on the basis of examination, recommendation or published reviews. These sites appeared to provide reliable information at the time of selection and to meet the selection criteria for the library's electronic collection. However, documents published electronically can be quickly changed and the links to further sites can easily be made by the authors. Therefore, the user of the Internet should apply his or her own critical judgment to the information accessed. The Oshkosh Public Library is not responsible for the information users find through the Internet workstations.
3. The Oshkosh Public Library will provide access to search software (Google, Yahoo, Alta Vista, etc.) in order to allow individuals to take the fullest advantage of the global resources available through the Internet. The user of the Internet should be aware that he or she might encounter material that is inaccurate, controversial, offensive, or unsuitable for viewing by minors.
4. The Oshkosh Public Library will offer the choice of filtered or unfiltered access to all users at designated Public Internet Access workstations. Internet workstations in the Children's Room will be filtered. At least one filtered workstation will be provided in the adult area. The library will use the filtering service offered by its Internet Service Provider. If possible, that filter will be set only to prevent access to sites that meet statutory obscenity and harmful to minors criteria. Patron equipment may be connected via wireless access or through specified wired connections only. Patron equipment may connect unfiltered to the Internet.
5. Parents or guardians, not the Oshkosh Public Library, or its staff, are responsible for the use of the Internet by their minor children. Parents are encouraged to discuss appropriate use of Internet resources and to supervise their children's Internet sessions. Parents have the option of restricting their children from use of the Internet or to only filtered workstations as provided in the Library's Access to Materials and Services Policy. The library will make reasonable efforts to enforce that request by using software that identifies restrictions placed on the child's library card that is required to log on to the Internet workstations. A second child sharing a station will be asked to present his or her own library card to the staff. The Library is not responsible for access gained by persons who use non-library equipment or deliberately attempt to circumvent library procedures.
6. The Oshkosh Public Library does not offer laptops or peripheral equipment (power strips, wireless network cards, mouse pads, Earthnet cables, etc.) to the public, nor does its staff support in any way patron-owned equipment. Handouts are available to instruct patrons on how to connect their equipment, but beyond that library staff may not be able to be of substantial assistance.
7. The Oshkosh Public Library does not offer or support e-mail accounts for the public.
   
   • Using resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only, not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.
   • Respecting the privacy of others by not, for example, misrepresenting oneself as another user, and by not attempting to use, modify or gain access to account information, card numbers, files, passwords, or data belonging to others. Users may be asked to present their own library card and/or other personal identification.
   • Further respecting the privacy of others using public access workstations at the Oshkosh Public Library by not interfering with their use.
   • Respecting the guidelines of other networks or sites to which the user may connect.
   • Not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
   • Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.
   • Not sending, receiving, displaying, or printing text or images or sound clips from Internet resources, chat rooms, e-mail or other sources which may reasonably be construed as legally obscene or harmful to minors.
   • Not making changes to the setup or configuration of the software or hardware provided by the library.
   • Not using one's own software on a library workstation.

    

• The Oshkosh Public Library will establish procedures for the responsible and equitable use of the public workstations and the public network for personal devices provided for Internet access. These procedures may include:

  • Requiring individuals to use only their own library card for access. Users may be asked to present their own library card and/or other personal identification.
  • Monitoring the workstations for assistance, security purposes and conformance with procedures and acceptable-use policies.
  • Monitoring computer files for security purposes and conformance with procedures and acceptable use policies.
  • Limiting the length of time individuals may use the workstations.
  • Limiting the number and location of workstations at which online games may be played.
  • Restricting downloading in the interests of bandwidth utilization and security of the equipment and network.
  • Limiting activities that impede the efficient operation of the library's equipment and software.
  • Requiring payment of library fines and fees on the same basis as required for the check out of materials.
  • Requiring annual verification of address and other borrower information on the same basis as required for the check out of materials.
  • Information about online safety related to providing personal identification information, use of e-mail, chat, and other forms of direct electronic communication will be provided through the Library web site and as a printed brochure offered in the library and provided to people registering for library cards.
  • The Oshkosh Public Library assumes no liability for any loss or damage to the user's data or equipment or other injury that may occur from the individual's use of the Library's Internet services.
  • The Oshkosh Public Library reserves the right to monitor individual's use of library workstations, personal devices connected to the Internet at the library, networks and server for security purposes, conformance with procedures and acceptable use policies and the detection of illegal activities. The privacy provisions of Chap. 43 Wis. Stat. will apply to an individual's use of the Internet although evidence of illegal activities will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
  • Misuse or abuse of the workstation equipment or violation of the Internet Access Policy and procedures will result in suspension of Internet access privileges, wireless access privilege, and/or library privileges.

The newsletters and commemorative publications listed below are viewable as a pdf file. If you need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the pdf copies, go to the Adobe Site and download the reader.

Library Lines Newsletters

• Library Lines: Fall 2007
• Library Lines: Spring 2007
  included Harry Potter Flyer
• Library Lines: Winter 2007
• Library Lines: Early Fall 2006
• Library Lines: Summer 2006
• Library Lines: Spring 2006
  included 2005 Annual Report

Friends of the Library - 236-5206

Friends of the Library 2008 Used Book Sales
	10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Lower Level Book Sale Area January 29 March 25 May 27 July 29 Sept. 30 Nov. 25

The Friends are organized to provide support for the library through volunteer service, fundraising, and advocacy. Membership in the Friends is open to all individuals and to representatives of organizations,clubs and businesses.

Annual dues should be sent to: Friends of the Oshkosh Public Library, 106 Washington Avenue, Oshkosh, WI 54901. Individual yearly membership dues are $10 and individual lifetime dues are $75.

The annual membership meeting is held in October. The Executive Committee meets bimonthly. Members are notified of other meetings through the calling committee and the Friends' newsletter.

The Friends serve the Library by sponsoring and helping with activities and projects such as book sales, author lectures, summer reading club for children, Baby Book Bag project for new parents, holiday decorations for the library, equipment for Kidspace, publication of a Friends newsletter and mailing of Library Lines, the library's newsletter to interested individuals and groups.

A Baby Book Bag with library information, a durable board book and tips for reading aloud to young children is provided to the parents of every baby born at Aurora Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center. This is funded by the Friends of the Library and the William Steiger Trust Fund.

• Administration ~ contact and administrative services information.
• Employment Opportunities
• Friends of the Library (Used Book Sales & Gift Shop)
• Interlibrary Loan Requests ~ request materials from another library
• Recommendation for Purchase ~ recommend materials to be purchased for the library
• Internet Access Policy ~ our policy for Internet use in the library
• Public Internet Access ~ procedures for accessing the Internet at the libary
• Laptops and Lattes ~ access to free Wi-Fi wireless internet service.
• Meeting Rooms
• Literacy Tutoring
• Outreach Services
• Tours & Presentations
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Donations

Employment Opportunities - 236-5210

The entry level clerical jobs at the Oshkosh Public Library are classified as Pages. Pages work in different departments of the library where they may reshelve materials, process new materials, assist at the Circulation Desk, retrieve materials from storage and perform routine clerical tasks. Pages are scheduled for about eleven hours per week. A variety of shifts are available including morning, afternoon, evening and weekend hours.

Clerical staff are represented by Local 796-A of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO. Library Assistant positions are generally filled by senior Pages.

Employment applications are available at the Circulation Desk at the Main Library. Applicants must be 16 years old. The Library is an Equal Employment Opportunities employer.

Literacy Tutoring - 236-5185

The library supports the work of the Winnebago County Literacy Council by providing books for adult new readers, offering rooms for trained Council tutors to work with their students, and assisting tutor training. The library currently houses the office of the WCLC. Questions about becoming a tutor or receiving tutoring should be directed to the Council at 236-5185.

Outreach Services - 236-5208

The library is interested in working with community groups and agencies to improve the community's access to information, to increase knowledge and use of the library's resources and to meet special needs of individuals. Call 236-5208, the Children's and Family Outreach and Services Desk, to be referred to the appropriate librarian.

• Home Delivery Service 236-5206
  Home delivery service to persons with limited mobility who cannot get to the library is provided by volunteers. To receive home delivery or volunteer to help, call 236-5206.
• Day Care and School Services 236-5208
  Book collections are provided monthly to 20 day care centers and preschools. Roving Readers, volunteers trained to present storytimes, may be invited to visit your site.

  Classroom collections and library instruction visits are some of the services offered to schools.
  
  Service to groups: The "Outreach" part of this department's name refers to the library's continuing efforts to be out in the community helping groups and individuals effectively use the library's resources to improve their lives. We work with the Boys & Girls Club, Headstart, daycare centers, the Salvation Army, the Winnebago Literacy Council and anybody else who shares our belief that the eagerness young children bring to early learning activities should be encouraged and nurtured in their homes and in the community.

• Deposit Collections 236-5203
  Nursing homes, senior housing complexes and group homes may arrange to have collections of books selected and delivered to their location by library staff on a monthly or bimonthly basis. The number of deposit sites may be restricted due to limited staff hours available for this service.

Tours & Presentations

Arrangements for group tours of the library should be made, preferably three weeks in advance, with one of the following departments:

• Children's and Family Outreach Services at 236-5208 or by using the Library Tour Request Form.  Elementary or middle school classes. Ask about free bus rides on Oshkosh Transit System for school visits. Home schoolers, Preschools and day care centers, Scouts or other groups of children and parents.
• Reference and Adult Services at 236-5205.
  High school and middle school classes. Ask about free bus rides on Oshkosh Transit System for school visits. Adults seeking instruction in using library resources.
• Assistant Director at 236-5210.
  Groups of adults or organizations who want a tour of the building with or without a club meeting. Informational presentations by library staff at your location may be arranged by calling the departments listed above or the Assistant Director at 236-5210.

Volunteer Opportunities - 236-5206

The Library uses volunteers to go the extra mile in delivering a high quality of service. People interested in volunteering for the Library should contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 236-5206. Training is provided. Current volunteer opportunities include:

• Home Delivery Service: People are needed to select and deliver books to shut-ins.
• Genealogy: People are needed who have some experience in genealogy work to assist people in using the resources and equipment in the Genealogy Room.
• Roving Readers: People who enjoy reading aloud to groups of preschoolers will be trained to make effective use of library materials for visits to daycare centers.
• Tour Guides: People who are willing to lead groups of 15-30 children on tours of the building will be trained to provide an explanation of library services, history and architecture for these class visits.
• Summer Library Program Aides: Adults and young people are needed to assist in registering younger children for the annual summer reading club and providing help at programs.

Donations - 236-5210

The Library welcomes gifts, large and small, of cash and books or other materials. Donations made in memory of someone or to honor someone are acknowledged with cards from the library. Book plates are placed in donated material. Equipment and furniture may have plaques affixed to them.

Used books and materials not used for the library collection are passed along to the Friends of the Library for the book sales which support a variety of library programs. These should be brought to the Circulation Desk at the library.

Individuals interested in making substantial donations or remembering the library in their estate planning are encouraged to contact the library director, Jeff Gilderson-Duwe, at 236-5210.

To Top