How to set up an alert profile

Alert profiles are designed to send email notices to you about new material that has been added to the library and is of interest to you. Items may be on a particular subject, by an author or by a material type (eg CDs) etc. The email includes a link to the profile, brief details of each matched item and a link to the item. You can then click on the link to go directly to the item and make a reservation against it if you wish. There is no limit to the number of profiles you can set up.

How do I do it?

• First you need to log in to the catalogue. You can do this online or on a catalogue terminal at any branch.
• You will need your ID and a PIN. Your ID is the full barcode number on the back of your library card. If you don’t know your PIN, ask staff at the desk or give us a call.
• Enter these details into the boxes at the top left hand side of the catalogue screen. A MY DETAILS screen will pop up. From here, follow one of the examples below.
  You are about to travel and are interested in any new titles in the 'Rough Guides' series that are available from the Dapto District Library. To set the profile:
  1. Change the ANYWHERE drop down to SUBJECT. Type in 'travel'
  2. Change the AND to OR
  3. Change the ANYWHERE drop down to SERIES TITLE. Type in 'rough guides'
  4. Enter the date '2004-'
  5. Select LOCATION: Dapto
  6. Test the search to make sure it works OK
  7. Click to return to the previous screen
  8. Set alert frequency, expiry date if required and add a description
  9. Save

To set more than one profile:

• After saving one, click from top or bottom of screen.
• From the MY DETAILS page, choose NEW ALERT PROFILE tab.
• To view all profiles you have set, from the MY DETAILS page, under OTHER click on ALERT PROFILES. You can then choose a profile and modify it.

Tip: Remember to logout so your details remain private. The logout button is on the left-hand side bar.

Tip: Alerts will be sent to your registered email address from Spydus. You can reserve items on the list. If you experience any problems with emails from this address, please reply and explain the problem.