Getting Started
To get started as a new patron, please follow the steps outlined below. If you experience problems at any stage, please contact the library manager.
Step #1: Accessing my account.
Access your IRC OPAC account by entering your login and password information located on the right side of the screen. Your login information is your first name followed by a period and your last name. For example, John Smith would be entered as John.Smith. If you are a faculty or staff member, your password will be emailed to you by IRC staff. If you have not already received a password, please contact IRC staff as soon as possible.
Step #2: Setting up my account.
Once you log in, you will be able to access your personal IRC information by navigating the tabs located along the left side of the screen. Your personal home page will also display any items that are checked out with due dates. It is strongly recommended that you begin by changing your IRC password found under “change my password" found on the bottom left hand side of your account page and complete your personal details under “my details”. You can manually change your password as often as necessary at your own discretion; however, changes to your personal details must be submitted to the IRC staff for processing. It is also important to customize your settings under "my messaging". To receive an email reminder of when your items are due, check the option box for "Item DUE" under email. You may also find it useful to check the option to receive an "Advance notice". Manually select the number of days in advance you would like to be notified when your items are due. Keep in mind though, it is your responsibility to ensure that items are returned by their due date, these features are intended only to aid you in this responsibility. Note that once you are logged in, you may return to your personal home page at any time by simply clicking on your name located in the upper right corner of the screen.
Step #3: Using the catalogue.
You are now set to explore the IRC online catalogue. Enter your term(s) in the blank search field at the top left hand of your account page to conduct a basic search or, click on the advanced search option to access features to help refine your search for specific items.
Step #4: Checking out items.
In order to check out an item, the item first needs to be added to your Cart just like if you were online shopping. Once all items of interest have been added, click on your Cart, delete any unnecessary items, and when ready, click on the “Send” option to email your Cart to the IRC staff for retrieval. The email address for the IRC, as well as your user name, will auto-generate for you. If you do not see your user name listed, that means you are NOT logged in. If you do not log in, IRC staff will have no way of knowing who has sent the Cart and your items will not be retrieved.Step #5: Getting my items.
Once your request for items has been sent, designated staff will retrieve the items within a 24 hour period to ensure that they are ready for pick up the following day. You can pick up your items at the reception desk located at the reception desk. Item pick-ups must be between 8:30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Please note that requests made on Fridays and Saturdays may not be ready within 24 hours as the Centre for Digital Media is not staffed during the weekends or holidays. Items that are not picked up after two days will be checked back in and re-shelved for circulation.
Step #6: Returning my items.
You may return your items to the front reception or the IRC during operating hours. Make sure that you hand the items over to the receptionist while he or she is physically present. If your items are left there unattended and go missing, you will be held accountable for their loss.