As of November 19, 2020, Port Colborne Public Library completed our migration to LiNC. Reciprocal borrowing between other LiNC libraries began January 4, 2021.
The Libraries in Niagara Cooperative (LiNC) was established in 2010. This cooperative library consortium consists of multiple Niagara Region public libraries and one college library. It was created to share an open source library catalogue system called Evergreen. LiNC’s integrated library system (ILS) is housed and managed in one location. LiNC libraries contribute annually to costs associated with the ILS. Costs to manage a comparable proprietary system would be significantly more.
What does being a LiNC patron mean?
As a LiNC member, Port Colborne Public Library patrons have:
- Access to thousands of more books via resource sharing
- Access to a brand new interactive online catalogue
- The ability to check out items at any LiNC library
- The ability to place holds on items in other LiNC libraries (some exceptions may apply)
- The ability to pay fines at any LiNC library
- The ability to create reading lists and track your reading history
Port Colborne patrons can use their card to borrow items at any LiNC library. Please be aware of the following LiNC borrowing policies:
- You will have three days to pick up items on hold
- You can renew items up to two times (where applicable)
- Online resources are not shared among LiNC libraries
You can choose to search just your home library, or the entire LiNC catalogue. To borrow items at other member libraries, simply present your Port Colborne Public Library card.
See the join the library page for further membership and borrowing details.
Frequently asked LiNC questions
| Which libraries belong to LiNC? |
| What does being a LiNC member mean? | |||||||||
| If you are a member of a participating LiNC library, you automatically have a LiNC library card. You can request and borrow materials from any of the LiNC libraries. | |||||||||
| How do I get a LiNC library card? | |||||||||
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If you do not have a library card from one of our Niagara Region LiNC libraries, visit your local (home) library library to register for a card. |
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| How do I borrow material at a LiNC library? | |||||||||
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| What are the borrowing policies? | |||||||||
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If you are borrowing an item from any LiNC library the following borrowing policies will apply:
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| The item I want is at another LiNC library. Can I put in a request and pick it up at my home library? | |||||||||
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You can place a hold on an item from any LiNC library. It will automatically be sent to your default pickup library. You will need to make pickup location changes when you make your request. You can change your default pickup location preference through the online catalogue or by contacting your home library. |
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| How do I search for materials available for loan at other LiNC libraries? | |||||||||
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When you open up your library’s catalogue search page, you can choose to search all LiNC libraries, a specific library system (e.g. Lincoln Public Library), or a specific branch (e.g. Centennial). You can also refine how you search for items. If you need help, call or email us. We are happy to help you learn how to use our catalogue to find what you need. |
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| Where do I return library materials? | |||||||||
| You may return library materials at any branch of any LiNC library. Items will be considered checked in at the time of drop-off. | |||||||||
| How will I be notified that my request is available for pickup and how long do I have to pick it up? | |||||||||
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| Where do I pay fines? | |||||||||
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| What happens if I lose an item? | |||||||||
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| Can I access electronic resources from other libraries? | |||||||||
| Remote access to electronic resources is only available through your home library. Walk-in access is limited to certain resources and may not be available at the Niagara College Library. |
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