Check if the patron has recently gotten a new i-card. If they are a new Illinois affiliate, the card may not work because the new card number has not been activated. i-Cards will be activated automatically every 5 -7 days. If the patron needs immediate access to their library account, the patron must contact Central Access Services in order to activate their i-card manually. In this case, if the patron is located in Champaign-Urbana, they should come into the library. If they are a distance student, they should call CAS.

Also, when setting up a new library account, the patron must enter their first and last names as they appear on their iCard (e.g., if they have a dual last name, both names must be entered).

If the patron received a new i-card and already had a Library account, they may be able to log into VuFind but then get this message: "You have logged in successfully to the Library catalog but your account is not currently synced with your home Library's record for you." If this happens, they should click on “User Account” and update the Library number (Borrower ID) that is on their new i-card.

Courtesy Card holders and patrons applying for Courtesy Cards must come to the Library to renew or activate their account. They must also bring in a photo ID and proof of address such as a current utility bill, bank statement, etc. with their name and address on it. Have them contact Central Access Services with any questions about Courtesy Card privileges. See CAS’s Borrowing Privileges page for more information about courtesy cards. Please note that patrons do not receive Courtesy Cards the same day they apply for them.