Locations/Hours | Library Catalog | Library Cards | TRL Info | Jobs
TeenZone | TimberKids | Reference Databases | Internet Resources | Home

? Ask a Librarian

TeleCirc

How to Access Timberland's Circulation System
With Your Telephone

TeleCirc is an automated voice messaging system that is connected to the Timberland Online Library Catalog.

You can call Telecirc by telephone about:

• Renewals - Renew items you have checked out
• Holds - Find out if holds are waiting for you to pick them up 
• Hold Cancellations - Cancel holds that are waiting for you that you no longer need
• Due Dates - Hear a list of items you have checked out and their due dates

 TeleCirc calls you by telephone to notify you about:

• Items that are being held for you and are ready to pick up
• Items that are overdue.

We're giving patrons another tool for using the library from home (one that does not require a personal computer). It can be used anytime, even when local libraries are closed. TeleCirc is fast, efficient and convenient. Of course, library staff is happy to help you with any of the functions that TeleCirc performs.

You can call TeleCirc with a touch tone telephone. You will need your library card.

If you live in the Olympia local calling area call:

If you live outside the Olympia local calling area call:

How Does TeleCirc Work?

When you call TeleCirc, it answers and asks you for you library card number. Enter library card number on your telephone's keypad. Do not enter the "D".

TeleCirc then asks for the last four numbers of your telephone number or your PIN (Patron Identification Number) which you enter on your phone's keypad. Then, you will hear a menu. Press the telephone keypad to select the option you want:

• To renew items you have checked out, press 1
• To hear what items you currently have checked out, press 2
• To hear which items are being held for you and the pickup location or to cancel holds, press 3
• To hear your current charges, press 4
• To list overdue items, press 5
• To record your name, press 6

At any time, you can return to the main menu by pressing #. You may end the call by hanging up or by pressing *.

You can call TeleCirc whenever the library automated circulation system is available -- 24 hours a day -- except when system maintenance is in process (usually Mon. and Thurs. 3:30 am to 6:30 am).

When an item you have placed a hold on is ready for you to pick up, TeleCirc will call to tell you the item is waiting and where to pick it up. This means that you quickly find out about a waiting hold.

If you no longer need an item that is waiting for you to pick up, you can call TeleCirc or your local library to cancel the hold.

When you have an overdue item, TeleCirc will call to remind you.

If you want to keep an overdue item longer, you can call TeleCirc or your local library to renew the item.

TeleCirc will tell the person (or answering machine) who answers your phone the name of the person with holds waiting or with overdue material. It will not give titles for either overdue material or holds waiting for pick up.

If TeleCirc will try to call you by telephone for three days.  If Telecirc cannot reach you, a printed hold or overdue notice will be mailed to you.

We want to be sure you are notified about your holds and overdues so TeleCirc repeats its message. Depending on the length of your answering machine message, you may hear our message start in the middle of a sentence. If the message isn't clear, or you need more information (such as titles) you may call TeleCirc back.

TeleCirc has a synthesized voice, which enables it to pronounce words in the titles of library materials and patron's names.

TeleCirc sometimes has difficulty pronouncing names. If you would like to record your own name for Telecirc to use, call Telecirc and enter 6 on the menu.

What about the Confidentiality of my Library Record?

We make every effort to assure the privacy of each patron. TeleCirc is no exception. TeleCirc does not reveal the titles of your library materials to anyone but you.

A PIN is a Personal Identification Number -- a number that assures confidentiality of your library card record. The last 4 digits of your phone number is your PIN, unless you choose another one. Talk to the staff at any library to change your PIN.

To pick up your holds, you will need one of the following:

• Your library card or card number.
• The title or subject of the item

To pick up holds for someone else, you will need one of the following:

• The library card or card number the hold was placed on.
• Enough information about the item to indicate that the patron asked you to pick up the hold for him or her.
• A message on your library card record (or the patron's library card record) that gives permission for another person to pick up holds.

TeleCirc Telephone Numbers

You can call TeleCirc, Timberland's automated voice messaging system.

If you live in the Olympia local calling area, call:

If you live outside the Olympia calling area, call:

If you have questions about TeleCirc or prefer to talk to library staff about any of our library services, please call your local library - or Timberland Regional Library's toll free number, 1-800-562-6022.

Revised 12/17/08