Sierra Password Training 03.08.2023

Password Training 03.08.2023

Training Recording

Q & A Section

Sierra 

Q: Does the password need a special character?

A: We are suggesting that patrons follow generally accepted password suggestions. We do not require a special character but we suggest it.

Q: So if you accidentally delete the pin field in the patron record, do you reset it back to the default password?

A: If you accidentally delete the PIN field nothing will be in the field at all and the password is completely empty. You can set it to the temporary password when you need to create a new patron or help a patron reset their password.

Q: Where would we find the Frequently Asked Question page as well as the answered questions page? 

A: Here is a link to the FAQ page. Here is a link to past training recordings with answered questions.

Q: What is prompting the need for the PIN in the Sierra record? It is added security?

A: Yes, the passwords are for added security for the patron records. Right now,  the patron barcode is not a secure method due to people sharing it in emails and saying it out loud. So adding a password enables Marmot to have a secure means to protect patron data. Here is a link to the Town Hall meeting recordings to explain the reason for the Sierra passwords.

Q: Can you please review what to do if a patron does not have an email in their account and needs to reset it on their own?

A: If a patron does not have an email address they need to contact library staff to set the password reset trigger and set a temporary password for them in the Sierra patron record. Once the trigger is set the patron can log into Pika with that temporary password and they will immediately be prompted to change their password.

Q: Am I correct in remembering the first 3 of the last and the last 4 cards will eventually expire?  If so, when will that happen?

A: If your patron has not reset that temporary password by July 31st, Marmot will randomize the passwords for those patrons. The patrons will need to contact their library to get assistance resetting that password unless they have an email associated with their Sierra patron record.  

Q: Is there a minimum character length for the passwords?

A: Yes, 6 characters are the minimum, but we suggest at least 12. Having 6 characters can technically be cracked instantly. The current best practice for passwords is to use a passphrase that is easier for an individual to remember, adding in numbers and symbols. Such passphrases can take a computer years to crack.

Top of page

Pika

Q: What p-type allows staff to access masquerade mode?

A: Each library has its own patron types. In fact, every library has multiple patron types. If your library has not let us know a p-type for masquerade mode, you can let us know. In some cases, we even have to create new p-types for your library for the masquerade.

Q: What do you need to do to get to the Masquerade line to show up under My Account in Pika?

A: Here is documentation that explains how to use masquerade mode for Pika. Masquerade mode has been enabled for appropriate ptypes in both test and production environments.

Q: Do we have to do the Masquerade mode every time or do we need to ask the patron if they want us to masquerade as them?

A: You do not have to do it every time. You certainly do not have to do it at all. If you do not want to use Pika at all to place holds for your patrons or if there is no need to help them navigate the catalog from their account, then you do not need to masquerade as them. Marmot simply offers this option in the event that library staff would like to place holds from their catalog for their patrons or help them navigate their accounts without asking them for their passwords.   

Top of page 

OverDrive

Q: Will temporary passwords or changing a password prompt a card re-verification in Libby?

A: Yes, Libby reverifies a patron account every 24 hours.

Top of page

Prospector

Q: So basically, the Prospector override code goes into the library card number field box plus the library card number of the patron?

A:  Yes, for public libraries,  it is a combination of the Prospector override code and the patron barcode. It will be /overridecode/patronbarcode. The schools and academic libraries may be using something other than a barcode for their patrons. 

Q: Will each library get its own Prospector override code?

A: Each library system will get its own Prospector override code, but not each branch. 

Top of page

General Questions

Q: Will they need to use the PIN/password for checking out materials at self-check?

A: It depends on your library. The library that asked this question opted to leave passwords enabled for SIP2 (self-check). For that library, passwords will be required for self-check. 

Q: Will passwords be needed for self-check? Will it be needed for staff to check out for the patron?

A: No staff workstations using Sierra do not prompt for the password.

Q: Are libraries with Kanopy required to set password authentication with them?

A: Libraries will have to contact their Kanopy rep to turn on password authentication.

Q: Will the New York Times (NYT) and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) be affected by the Sierra passwords?

A: No, the NYTs will not be affected. Yes, the WSJ will be affected because it uses Pika to authenticate. 

Top of page