New Cards and Amnesty Information

Hello all.

Beginning tomorrow (September 10^th) and running through September 26^th , accounts not in collection are eligible to have up to $24.99 in overdue fines forgiven when the customer exchanges his/her current library card for the new My Link – Powered by HEB library card.  Additionally, from tomorrow through September 26^th, overdue fines will be automatically forgiven on all overdue items returned and checked in on the HPL Symphony system. 

To find out more about the amnesty, check out the Overdue Fines Tutorial Video (https://sites.google.com/site/hplstafftraining/amnesty) on the HPL Staff Training Portal.  The video will not only explain which fines/fees are eligible to be forgiven, it will also provide instruction regarding how to remove eligible charges from accounts when customers get the new My Link – Powered by HEB library card.  Additionally, an Amnesty Program FAQ is available on HPLnet at https://hplnet.hpl.lib.tx.us/images/staff-amnesty-faq.pdf.  The FAQ provides answers and direction for anticipated questions regarding eligible fines, fees and accounts.

Finally, remember that you will need to use the User Lost Card wizard under the Special wizard groups in Symphony Circulation to issue new cards, then assign a new expiration date (most easily done with the Renew Privilege wizard).  Only the User Lost Card wizard can accurately update the account with the new card number and block the previous card number from further use.  Refer to the tutorial video for replacing a lost card to review how to use the wizard (https://sites.google.com/site/hplstafftraining/learningresources/libraryfunctions/replace-a-card).

Of course, if you have any questions or concerns regarding how to apply the amnesty or replace a customer’s card, don’t hesitate to contact Circulation Administration at 832-393-2222 (choose option 3) or at circinfo@hpl.lib.tx.us.  We will be delighted to help you in any way we are able.

Thanks, and have a great day.

Fred Schumacher

Circulation Administration Manager