WHAT IS IPAC?
IPAC is a web-based application that
enables you to search the Torfaen Library and Information Services Catalogue
from any Internet accessed computer in the world. The Library
Catalogue lists all books, videos, DVDs, CDs, and CD-ROMs which are held in
the Library, and gives information about their location and availability.
WHAT CAN I
DO WITH IT?
o
Anyone
can search the catalogue.
o
Anyone
can find out more about Torfaen Library Services, for example; opening hours,
services, contact information, etc.
o
If
you are a Library member with a PIN (Personal
Identification Number – ask a member of staff if you do not have one) you can:
1. Renew book items already on loan
to you.
2. Make a request for an item.
3. View your account – review the items
you have out, the holds you have placed, and your personal details.
4. Update your e-mail address.
HOW DO I
SEARCH THE CATALOGUE?
You can use either a Basic, Advanced, or Power search to explore the
catalogue. The Basic
Search is the most popular
and easiest to use:
o
Choose
your search index
(search by Words in a title, author etc.).
o
Type
in the required title/author etc.
o
Press
the enter
key, or click on 
The Advanced
and Power Searches offer the facility to
perform more complicated searches.
Once you have entered your search IPAC will display a list of results. To see further information on a title, click
on the 
button.
IPAC will display your search results
with information about the author, title, publisher, and the class number (to
enable you to find the item on the shelf).
o
Click
on the required item to see details of location and availability.
HOW DO I
REQUEST AN ITEM?
If an item is out on loan to another user you may want to
place a hold (request) on it so that once it is returned it will be kept for
you to borrow.
o
Follow
the search instructions until you find the required item.
o
Click
the Request
Item button. This takes you
to the My
Account tab.
o
Enter
your Library card number and PIN here.
o
Select
the Library that you want to collect your item from (Abersychan, Blaenavon,
Cwmbran, or
You will be notified by post when the item is ready to be
picked up. Please note there is a small
charge for this service payable at the Library on collection. If your requested item is checked in it is
advisable to phone the Library and ask for the item to be taken off the shelf
before another customer borrows it.
HOW DO I
RENEW BOOKS ALREADY ON LOAN TO ME?
o
Click
the My
Account tab.
o
Enter
your Library card number and PIN.
o
If
you are already in My Account click the Items Out link.
o
Check
the box against the individual item(s) to be renewed and click Renew.
o
The
system will then update the relevant items in accordance with normal Library
rules.
Please note: You cannot renew books more than 3 times. You cannot renew Audio/Visual items at
all. You cannot renew an item if another
customer has placed a hold on it.
HOW DO I
REVIEW MY ACCOUNT?
o
Click
on the My
Account tab.
o
Click
the Overview
sub-tab.
o
Choose
the part you want to review; Items Out, Hold Requests, Notes, or Profile.
o
The
Items Out
sub-tab will show all items on loan to you and the date on which they must be
returned. You can renew the items as
previously explained.
o
The
Hold
Requests sub-tab will show the status of any holds you currently
have. You can cancel any hold you have
placed by pressing the Cancel Request button.
o
The
Notes
sub-tab will display any outstanding charges that you may have accrued.
o
The
Profile
sub-tab will display your name and address details. You can update your e-mail address on-line,
or your personal details at the Library.
HOW DO I
FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EACH LIBRARY?
o
Click
on the Home
tab.
o
Click
on the Library you want. This takes you
to the Home
Page of the Library.
o
Click
on the Back
button to return to the catalogue.
If you would like further information on IPAC or any other aspect of our
services, please:
Telephone: