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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The HIP Bestseller list is now called "New and Best List".

HIP

(click here to begin using HIP)

HIP is the new web-based public access catalog (PAC) interface. HIP stands for Horizon Information Portal. The following web browsers are recommended but users may find they are able to use others: Internet Explorer version 6.0 and Netscape version 6.0. The Basic search is one of HIP's three main searching tools. Basic search lets you search the library's catalog by a single author, title, or subject keyword.

To do a Basic search:

  1. Click the Search tab.
  2. Choose the search index you want to use from the Search drop-down menu.
  3. Enter the search term that you want to use in the Search field.
  4. Click Go.

HIP has more detailed help available in the form of a user guide that is available to users once you connect to the catalog. To access the user guide click Help in the upper right corner of the HIP window.

What is my Borrower Barcode?

Your Borrower Barcode is your patron barcode number, which begins with the numbers 22020.  It is located on your library card. Your Borrower Barcode is needed to log into your account in the HIP online catalog.

What is my PIN number?

GRRL patrons are assigned a personal identification number (PIN) for accessing personal account information.  The PIN is a four-digit number consisting of the month and date of your birthday.  For example, if your birthday is Feb 7, then your PIN is 0207. In addition to your Borrower Barcode, your PIN is also needed to log into your account in the HIP online catalog.

Using the My List Feature in HIP

My List is a feature that lets you create a temporary list of items from your search results. You can view the list, sort the list, add or remove items from the list, or email the list. If you have set up a user account, you can also save a list for future reference for 90 days. From a saved list, you can move items to another list, rename the list, or delete it.

Saving a list

My List is a feature that lets you create a temporary list of items from your search results. If you have set up a user account, you can save your list for 90 days.

To save a list:

  1. Log in to your user account.
  2. Add items to My List.
  3. View the current My List.

To view the list you created the next time you return to HIP after having logged off you must log in to your account and click My List at the top of the page.

The list is only saved  for 90 days so if you want to keep the list you have the option of e-mailing it to yourself. See instructions below.

To e-mail a list

  1. View the current My List or the saved list you want to e-mail.
  2. Click the Email this List link at the bottom of the list. HIP displays the Email My List page.
  3. Mark the format in which you would like the list to appear.
  4. Enter the subject of the e-mail message in the Subject field.
  5. Enter the e-mail address to where you want to send the list in the Email to field.
  6. Click Send. HIP sends a copy of the list to the e-mail address you specified.

Using HIP to place a request on a library item:

  1. Search for a library item.
  2. Click Request Item.
  3. Log in to your user account.  You will be prompted for your Borrower Barcode and PIN.
  4. HIP displays the Request Confirmation page.
  5. Choose a pickup location from the drop-down list.
  6. Click Request.
  7. HIP displays this message: "Your request has successfully been placed.
  8. Click button "Return to Searching" to return to searching while still logged into your account or "Logout and Return" to logout of your account and return to searching.

Renewing library materials online

Note: There is a limit of two renewals per item. Items which have been renewed twice or items on waiting lists may not be renewed. If an overdue item is renewed, a fine will be charged. Items renewed on-line must be renewed before 11:30 pm to avoid overdue charges.

From the Internet using HIP: (Please read instructions first)

  1. Click on GRRL HIP Catalog (it may take a minute to load)
  2. Click on My Account tab.
  3. Enter your barcode number.
  4. Enter your PIN number (personal identification number)
  5. Click on Login button.
  6. Click on Items Out on overview screen (or click Checked Out subtab).
  7. Click in the box next to the name of the item to renew to make a check mark.
  8. Click on Renew button.

Requesting a title not owned by GRRL

Title Request for item not owned by GRRL.
If you do not find what you need on the GRRL Online Catalog, you may send a title request by clicking on the link above and completing the form. You may also access the MnLink system at www.mnlinkgateway.org. MnLink offers direct access to library catalogs throughout the state of Minnesota. You may use your GRRL library barcode to request materials through the MnLink system.

What is a Block?

A “Block” is a message for library staff people.  A “Block” could be one of the following examples: the patron has an expired hold (the patron requested an item, and it arrived for them, but the item was never picked-up).  A block could also be a message to staff stating that a patron has an item(s) that is overdue or that there is an overdue fine from an item that was returned in the past.  Other possibilities include the following messages to staff people: Please ask patron for new phone number; Please ask patron for new street address, etc.

What does “In-Transit” mean?

The status of “In-Transit” means that an item is in-route from ‘Branch A’ to ‘Branch Z’ and is currently not in either location.  Items that are “In-Transit” are moved by library delivery vans and most likely go through the distribution hub in St. Cloud before continuing their journey to Branch Z.  The typical amount of time for an item the be “In-Transit” would be up to a week.  The amount of time that an item remains “In-Transit” is dependant on many variables.  Some of these variables: What are the hours/days that Branch A is open, and the hours/days that Branch B is open.  Was there any inclement weather that hindered the delivery vans from reaching all locations.  Is there a back-up of materials to unpack at a branch or at the distribution hub in St. Cloud.  Does an item need “Rush Mending” attention before it can be sent to the branch that a patron has designated as the pick-up location.

Serving Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd and Wright Counties
with public libraries in Albany, Annandale, Becker, Belgrade, Big Lake, Buffalo, Clearwater, Cokato, Cold Spring, Delano, Eagle Bend, Elk River, Foley, Grey Eagle, Howard Lake, Kimball, Little Falls, Long Prairie, Melrose, Monticello, Paynesville, Pierz, Richmond, Rockford, Royalton, Saint Cloud, Saint Michael, Sauk Centre, Staples, Swanville, Upsala and Waite Park.