By Roy Weavers

Cairns Libraries welcomes their new internet based book minding system today. The Library ELF Reminder Service will monitor customers’ library accounts, transmitting regular messages detailing overdue, reserved and ready for pick up information by email.

Acting Manager Cairns Libraries, Carol Clifford said the Library ELF was designed to help the busy avid reader and will be particularly supportive for reading families with multiple membership cards.

“Signing up for the ELF service is a simple on line process and it is cost free to the library member,” Ms Clifford said.

“Log on to the Cairns Libraries website, follow the prompts and the Library ELF will upgrade service to our customers by sending regular messages to members who subscribe.”

Cairns Libraries will continue to mail out library overdue and reservation notices with the Library ELF subscription serving as an optional extra.

For further information or to sign up for the Library Elf visit www.cairnslibrary.com.au. A library card and PIN number are required to subscribe to the ELF.

Library Elf Reminder Service explained…

You can now register with Library Elf to track your library account. Using Library Elf, an Internet-based tool from an independently run company, you can receive email and/or RSS feed reminders about when your items are due for return and requested titles that are ready for pick-up. You can even track all family library cards on the one account!

How do I get reminders from Library Elf? -  Because Library Elf comes from a third party you will need to visit their site to create your account. We recommend that you read Library Elf's privacy policy and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

You will need to provide your Cairns Libraries card number (the number under the barcode on the back of your card) along with your account PIN. Once you are signed up for an account, you can choose to receive email reminders and/or RSS feeds for all of the cards you attach to your account. Email reminders are sent in HTML format only.

What about fines on overdues? -  Library Elf reminders do not include any information regarding overdue fines. You will need to check with Cairns Libraries directly for details on fines. Contact us by phoning or visiting any branch or logging on to our online catalogue.

Please note that you are still responsible for any overdue fines even if you do not receive a reminder via Library Elf.

Can I renew my items using Library Elf?  -  No. While Library Elf will tell you when your books are due, you can only renew items by phoning Cairns Libraries or by renewing online via our online catalogue (Member Services).