Logging In and Out

To use some features, you identify yourself by logging in. You log in by typing your patron barcode number (library card number) and your password.

Some libraries require you to log in each time you need to identify yourself. For example, you may log in to request a hold, and log in again to view your patron account. At other libraries, you log in only once, and you remained logged in until you log out. If your library provides the single log-in feature, you are logged in for your entire session the first time you use a function that requires log-in. You can also log in for the session by selecting Log In at the top of the page. When you are logged in, your name and a Log Out link are displayed at the top of the page.

Important:
Always log out to protect your privacy. If you are using the online catalog in the library, do not leave your personal information visible or accessible at the library workstation. To log out, click Log Out at the top of the page.

Log in and out

Some libraries allow you to log in once for your entire Polaris session. Follow these steps to log in for your entire session.

Note:
If you are working in the library, you may be required to insert a card in a reader and type a password or PIN to use a library workstation. After you log in to the workstation with your card, you may be automatically logged in to Polaris. To log out of Polaris only, but remain logged in at the workstation, click Log Out at the top of the page. To log out of both Polaris and the workstation, remove your card from the reader.

1. Click Log In at the top of the page.

   The log-in form is displayed.

2. Type your barcode number (from your library card) in the Barcode Number box. Your library may require all or only part of the number.
3. Type your account password in the Password box.

Note:
If you have an account but have never had a password, you may be able to set up your password online. Click the link here to create a password. See "Set up a password for an existing account". If you need a password but do not see the link, contact the library for assistance.

4. Click Log In to submit the information.

   Your name and the Log Out link are displayed at the top of the page when you are logged in.

5. Log out by doing one of the following actions:
   • If you are viewing your patron account, click the Log Out link on a patron account display, or click Log Out in the Patron Account submenu.
   • Click Log Out at the top of the page.

Important:
Logging out protects your privacy. If you are using the online catalog in the library, be sure to log out.

Related Information

• Barcodes - Your patron barcode number is assigned when you set up a library account. Your library may allow you to begin the registration for a new account online. See "Setting Up a New Patron Account" for more information.
• Passwords - See a library staff member if you need to set a password, or if you have forgotten your old one. A library staff member may be able to override the old password to give you the opportunity to set a new one. You cannot get an override password at a remote computer. You must go to the library for assistance in accessing your account. Some libraries allow you to set up a password online for an existing account. See "Set up a password for an existing account". For more information about changing your password and password formats, see "Change your password".
• Security - Your library may provide a secure connection for any functions that require your patron barcode and password. You can identify a secure connection by the lock icon in the status bar. You may receive a security alert message when you first select a function that requires transmission of personal information. You can click Yes to proceed with the function. To work without receiving subsequent security messages, you can install the library's security certificate on your computer. For more information, see "Install a security certificate".

Install a security certificate

If your library provides a secure connection, you may receive a security alert message when you select a function that requires personal information. To avoid numerous security alert messages, you can install the library's security certificate on your computer. Follow these steps to install the certificate.

1. Click View Certificate on the security alert message.

   The certificate is displayed.

2. Verify that the library is named in the Issued by field, and click Install Certificate.

   The Welcome import screen is displayed.

3. Click Next to display the Certificate Store import screen.
4. Select one of the following options for the certificate store:
   • Select Automatically select the certificate store to allow the installation program to select the appropriate folder on your computer.
   • Select Place all certificates in the following store, and click Browse to select a folder. Select a folder from the list.
5. Click Next to display the Completing import screen.
6. Click Finish.

   A message confirms the installation, and you can continue with the function you started when the security alert message appeared.