General Questions

What is a Text Message Alert?
Text Message Alert is a voluntary subscription service that allows subscribers to receive electronic notifications when holds are available for pickup and when borrowed items are about to become due.

How much does Text Message Alert cost?
Text Message Alert is a free service offered at no charge for anyone registered at an OCLN Member Library. Depending on your Internet service provider or cellular phone plan, additional per-message charges may be assessed by your carrier. Please call your carrier to inquire about any charges they might impose BEFORE subscribing.

What type of devices will Text Message Alert send messages to?
Text Message Alert can send messages to any device that has a cellular number and is enabled to receive standard text messages.

Will my mobile provider charge me to receive a Text Message Alert?
This depends on your service provider and plan. We strongly encourage you to check with your provider to determine if there are additional charges BEFORE you subscribe to this service.

I am not receiving the Text Message Alerts. What Should I do?
Shortly after registering for the service you should receive a confirmation text. If you do not receive the confirmation message, return to the form and re-register. A typo in your phone number or selecting the wrong carrier will prevent you from receiving messages.

Some cell phone providers provide the ability to filter text messages. You may need to allow incoming messages from unknown addresses.

Will I continue to receive notices via email, US mail or phone call?
Yes, this is service is meant to supplement these traditional notification methods, not replace them.

When are Text Alerts sent out?
Text Alerts are sent out every morning at 8:00 am.

What information is contained in a Text Alert?
The Text Alert message will tell you the number of items that are ready for pickup and the name of the pickup library.
It WILL NOT list individual titles.

The message may appear to come from an unknown address Be sure that your message filters are set to allow messages from unknown addresses.

Subscription Questions

How do I subscribe for Text Message Alerts ?
Go to www.ocln.org and login to your account. Click on the “Set Text Message Alerts” button and complete the form. After completing the form you will receive a confirmation message on your phone.

I subscribed, but I entered the wrong phone number. What should I do now?
Re-subscribe with the correct phone number address. The incorrect phone number will automatically be deleted from the system.

When I subscribed, I was advised that I would receive a confirmation text message, which I did not receive. What should I do now?
Re-subscribe. Double check that you have entered your cell number correctly and have selected the correct provider. The incorrect phone number will automatically be deleted from the system.

Be sure that your message filters are set to allow messages from unknown addresses.

My cell number has changed. What can I do to continue to receive Text Message Alert?
Re-subscribe using your new number and provider, your old number will be removed from the system.

My cell phone provider isn’t included in your list of providers. What should I do?
Please send an email to public-help@ocln.org. Please include the name of your provider and your email address. We typically respond to these requests within 2 business days.

How do I unsubscribe from Text Message Alert?
Go to the OCLN Homepage and login to your account. Click on the “Set Text Message Alerts” button, complete the form and use “NOTEXT” as your phone number.

Is there an email address that I can use to report a problem that is not listed here?
You can always reach us at public-help@ocln.org. Please include your e-mail address and any error messages you are receiving. We typically respond to questions within 2 business days.