New Library Catalog

Coming October 1, 2024

Waukegan Public Library is joining Cooperative Computer Services (CCS), a group of 31 area libraries that share an online catalog and member database. WPL cardholders will have access to materials from CCS member libraries including Warren-Newport, Grayslake, Lake Villa, and Round Lake, along with many others, with the added convenience of picking up and dropping off materials at our library. Starting September 27, Waukegan Public Library will be transitioning to a new library catalog. You’ll see a new look as you search for library materials and will be introduced to new features as we work to improve your library experience.

Over two million resources were shared across the CCS network of libraries in 2022-2023, which serves as a tremendous example of the diversity and wealth of titles available to patrons through the library network.

Benefits of joining CCS include:

  • WPL cards will automatically be registered at all CCS libraries
  • View WPL items along with items in all CSS libraries’ collections
  • Place holds for items available at other libraries in one easy step
  • Items from CCS libraries’ collections will be available for pickup at WPL
  • Pick up and return most items to any CCS library
  • Automatic renewal for items

HOW TO PREPARE

Before September 27:

  • Export your reading history
  • LINKin system holds will be unavailable beginning August 12

September 27-30:

  • Bring your library card to check out items
  • No new library cards will be made
  • No items will be due
  • We are unable to place holds for any materials that are not currently at the library
  • “My Account” features will be unavailable
  • Call the library to make sure items are on the shelf; catalog results may be inaccurate
  • Online resources including databases and eBooks may not be available

Starting October 1:

  • Your new catalog password is the last 4 digits of your phone number. Library staff can help you set a new password if needed
  • Replace your previous bookmarks to the catalog with the new URL (https://ccs.polarislibrary.com/polaris/default.aspx?ctx=97)

If you have any questions, please feel to stop at any public service desk, or call 847-623-2041.

Frequently asked questions about the transition:

Will my pin stay the same? If you already had an active library card before October 1, your pin is the last 4-digits of phone number.

Patrons can change their password at any time after the online catalog transition on October 1. A password can be between 4 and 64 characters and can include numbers, letters, spaces, and most special characters.
Do I have to pick up my holds at the Waukegan Public Library? With some exceptions, items can be picked up at any CCS library location. Simply select the pick-up location when you place your item on hold.
Where can I return materials? Again, with some exceptions, materials can be returned to our library’s indoor or outdoor book drops. Materials may also be returned to any other CCS library.
How do I find an item that is not in the new online catalog? If our library does not own an item, an item can be sent to WPL from another library for your use. If the item is unavailable at any CCS library, an Interlibrary Loan (ILL) request can be submitted by WPL cardholders to receive the item from a library outside the CCS consortium. Patrons can also request items to be purchased for WPL collections by contacting staff.
Will my holds and reading history transfer to the new system? Yes, holds and reading history transfer over to the new system. To ensure your transfer goes smoothly, export your reading history and make sure you have “reading history” turned on.
Will my lists transfer to the new system? No, unfortunately, any lists created in the previous online catalog will not move to the new catalog.
How will I find my holds on the self-service shelf? The library previously organized our holds by patrons’ full last and first names. Beginning October 1, we will organize our holds by the patron’s first four characters of the last name and the first initial of the patron’s first name.
How will I renew my materials? Your checked out materials will be automatically renewed if applicable. You can also call the library at 847-623-2041 or visit online at waukeganpl.org to renew.
Will you have OCLC/WorldCat available? Beginning in January 2025, we will be offering holds from around the country/world via OCLC/WorldCat. Stay tuned for more information about this new service.