UPDATE (03/29/2017): Currently, the library is having trouble with address verification for the Online Application process. Please continue to use paper forms until further notice.
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The new Online Library Card application is live (as of 03/21/2017). All of the information listed comes from the library's Training Portal and is subject to change.
MY Link Online Library Card | Staff FAQ
Q. What is the online library card?
A. It is a form on our website that allows our customers to get a MY Link card online. It is available in English and Spanish. Both forms will be secure (https:;SSL certificate) to protect PINs.
Q. Can anyone get a MY Link card online?
A. MY Link is free to all Texas residents. The form has a built-in address verification system to recognize all Texas addresses. If it’s not a Texas address, the form will display a message about getting an out of state card for a fee.
Q. How is this card different from the temporary online card?
A. The temporary online card is valid for 30 days only. It will no longer exist. MY Link online card will give access to all of our online resources including ebooks, digital media and online courses. It will also allow customers to place items on hold. You may continue to use the temporary online card form for Computer Use Only cards which will phase out as the new reservation system is deployed at HPL locations.
Q. Does the customer get an automatic ID and PIN?
A. Once the form is submitted, there is a confirmation message that includes an eCard number and PIN chosen by the customer. A welcome email is also sent to the email address provided in the form.
Q. What happens to the User ID when they come in to get the MY Link card?
A. You simply replace the User ID with the MY Link card barcode number (77422...). You may dispose of the barcode sticker or let the customer keep it.
Q. Will the information be in all caps in the user record when they use online registration?
A. Yes. Form generated user record in Workflows will be in all caps.
Q. Will this card allow customers to borrow physical items?
A. Only when they visit an HPL location and show a valid photo ID. Staff will update their user record and issue a physical MY Link card.
Q.What do we update in the user record?
A. You will update the following 5 things in Workflows:
From the Circulation tab, under the Users group, use the Modify User wizard to update the user record:
- User ID - replace it with the 77422… barcode number;
- Library - change it from HOU-ONLINE to your location or customer’s preferred location;
- Profile Name - change it from PUBLIC to one of the others listed in the drop down menu;
- Change History Rule: ask the customer if they want to keep a checkout history; then change it from circrule to allcharges; remind them to opt in when they log into the library account at home. Not changing it will NOT prevent the customer from checking out items or placing them on hold;
- If customer agrees with device checkout policy, then change user cat2 to laptop-yes under the Demographics tab.
Q. Can someone under 18 years of age get this card also?
A. No. The form has a built-in age calculator. It will display a message about getting a youth card at an HPL location.
Q. So how will juvenile cards work?
A. Based on our IP addresses, the form will recognize if it is being used inside an HPL location. The “in-house” form will have extra fields to submit a youth registration. Youth cards will automatically expire when the user turns 18 (just like it happens with paper registrations).
Q. What happens when the customer is using his/her own device at an HPL location?
A. If customer is connected to “Library Public” wifi network, the form will consider them as not on site.
Q. How else is the form different from paper application?
A. The form has extra fields that will allow us to send them library newsletters (if they opt-in). Customers may also opt-in (agree to device check out policy) to check out devices (laptops, hotspots etc.). This will become part of their user record, eliminating the need to fill out a form each time they want to check out a laptop. Note: when a customer wants to check out a laptop, staff will check their user record to make sure user category 2 says “YES”. Staff will continue to hold customer’s valid photo ID for the duration of laptop checkout.
Q. Why are we doing this?
A. Our customers are used to submitting forms online for different types of services. They expect to get a library card online. It will also make the application process more efficient for our staff. It is also an environmentally friendly process.
Q. Where can I get training?
A. Training will be available soon through the Training Portal. Stay tuned. Library Card Policy 6.2 is in the process of being revised. Once approved by ELT, it will replace the old policy that’s available on the intranet. City Legal department has approved: when the customer checks the box and submits the form, it counts as a legal agreement.
A. Training will be available soon through the Training Portal. Stay tuned. Library Card Policy 6.2 is in the process of being revised. Once approved by ELT, it will replace the old policy that’s available on the intranet. City Legal department has approved: when the customer checks the box and submits the form, it counts as a legal agreement.
Q. When does this go live?
A. As of 3/21/2017, this form is live on the website for customer use from home. We will be piloting the use of in-house registration at Central and Jungman. We will continue to monitor feedback and tweak the form and policies as needed. We will gradually add locations, probably 2-3 at a time so our staff may continue to use the paper application. We hope to attain 100% online by end of FY18 (June 2018). We are working on a major campaign/promotion, coming later this year.
A. As of 3/21/2017, this form is live on the website for customer use from home. We will be piloting the use of in-house registration at Central and Jungman. We will continue to monitor feedback and tweak the form and policies as needed. We will gradually add locations, probably 2-3 at a time so our staff may continue to use the paper application. We hope to attain 100% online by end of FY18 (June 2018). We are working on a major campaign/promotion, coming later this year.
Q. Will customers get upset if they have to fill out the form then see staff to get a card?
A. This process is no different than what we currently have: customers still fill out (or bring in) the paper form then staff have to enter all the info in Workflows, verify ID and then give out the card.
Q. How will customers submit library card applications during an outreach?
A. Digital Strategies will provide smart devices (tablets) and hotspots for outreach.
Q. Is there a virtual card that you can get from the app?
A. HPL’s mobile app has the capability to generate a barcode once customer has logged in to his/her account. Newer self check models can read the barcode, allowing customers to check out items. However, customers may show this barcode to staff at any HPL location and check out materials. Simply ask them to tap the back key so you can see that they’ve logged in to their account.
A. HPL’s mobile app has the capability to generate a barcode once customer has logged in to his/her account. Newer self check models can read the barcode, allowing customers to check out items. However, customers may show this barcode to staff at any HPL location and check out materials. Simply ask them to tap the back key so you can see that they’ve logged in to their account.
Q. I’ve also heard about a similar Learning Link card?
A. Yes. Since there’s no physical Learning Link card, HISD students and staff use their school ID to check out materials. HPL’s mobile app can also generate a barcode for Learning Link accounts.
Q. Will the new online card have a different user profile?
A. Yes. All online registrations will show Library as HOU-ONLINE (adults and juvenile). User profile as PUBLIC and PUBLIC-Y for youths. Once a valid photo ID has been provided, staff will update the user record (similar to what they do now with paper registration).
A. Yes. All online registrations will show Library as HOU-ONLINE (adults and juvenile). User profile as PUBLIC and PUBLIC-Y for youths. Once a valid photo ID has been provided, staff will update the user record (similar to what they do now with paper registration).
Q. Can we still assist customers with library card registration?
A. Yes. While we will make every attempt to provide designated stations (desktop or tablet), there will be times when you may have to either assist a customer at one of these designated stations or submit the form yourself for a customer.
Q. Where are the designated stations located at Central?
A. All of the catalog/database-only stations; Kids and Teens will have designated desktops. We are working towards installing a desktop on the 1st and 3rd floors.
Q. How will Overdrive account merge work?
A. For customers who only use our online resources and never check out any physical items, their accounts will never need to merge. For customers who are getting a library card for the first time at an HPL location, staff will assign them the 77422… barcode so they will never have to merge their accounts. Only customer who do the online registration first then visit an HPL location to get a physical card will need their Overdrive accounts merge. We expect this group may increase the volume of account merger requests. Email Reference and DS HelpDesk already assist in this but we are considering other options.
Q. Can customers access the registration form from the mobile app?
A. Yes. The form is on the website which is accessible from the app but we will also add a link to the main navigation menu.
