How to link library accounts

Account linking enables Auckland Council Library members to connect their individual library accounts, allowing them to view or manage account activity.

This can be a one-way connection where one account manages another, or a two-way connection, where two accounts can manage each other.

Whether you’re a parent or caregiver keeping track of your child’s checkouts, or a family member helping someone else in your household, linked accounts save time and reduce hassle by managing multiple accounts from the same login.

You can manage any existing checkouts or holds using account linking. However, to add any new requests or eCheckouts, you still need to log in to the account you'd like to borrow with, as usual.

If you’d like help setting up a linked account, please visit your local library branch or get in touch with us.

Types of linked accounts

• 1-way sharing

This is when one account manages another – perfect for parents who look after a child’s account.

• 2-way sharing

Both accounts manage each other – ideal for adults who want to share full account access.

Note: Linking library accounts in your account portal is separate from using the Auckland Libraries app's Linked Accounts feature.

These features do not sync automatically, so you’ll need to set them up individually.

1. If your accounts are already linked in the Auckland Libraries app, you’ll still need to follow the steps below to link them in your account portal.
   
   
2. If you haven’t set up linked accounts in the Auckland Libraries app yet, you can watch this video to learn how.

How to set up linked accounts

1. Click on your username and open your account portal
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Click on ‘account’ in the left-hand menu
   
   
   

   
   
   
   
   
3. Take note of your user barcode number (you’ll need this soon!)
   
   
   
   
   
4. Under the ‘Connected Accounts’ heading, click ‘Get Share Phrase’
   
   
   
   
   
5. Pick between ‘1-way’ or ‘2-way’ sharing:
   
   
   
   
   
   If you select 2-way sharing, both accounts will be able to manage each other.
   
   If you select 1-way sharing, you will be able to see and manage the connected account, but the connected account will not be able to see or manage your account. (e.g. a parent can manage a child’s account, without the child gaining access to the parent’s account).
   
   
6. Copy the passphrase, then click ‘create and save’. This will make the passphrase ‘active’ and can be used to connect with one or more accounts. (Note: this is an example. You will need to use your own, uniquely generated passphrase)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Login to the account you’d like to connect with (e.g. your child’s account, or family member’s account)
8. Click on the username, and ‘Account Portal’
   
   
   
   
   
9. Under ‘Connected Accounts’, click ‘Connect Account'
   
   
   
   
   
   
10. Enter the barcode and passphrase you noted down earlier, then click ‘connect’

Your accounts are now successfully connected!

If you have any issues completing the above steps, please visit your local library branch or get in touch with us.