All librarians who staff KnowItNow24x7 (no matter how infrequently) should have an account for the Provider site (provider.knowitnow.org). To sign-up for an account, simply click on "Create new account" on the Provider site itself. Provider site accounts are completely separate from your SparkRef usernames and passwords and can be the same or different depending on your personal preferences when you sign up.
If you are the primary contact for KIN24x7 at your library, highly encourage each of your KIN24x7 librarians to sign up for an account. Use of an "official" library email address is recommended to distinguish valid account requests from spam.
KIN24x7 Provider accounts come with numerous benefits, including:
- Access to statewide database usernames and passwords
- Access to KIN24x7 transcripts (public, academic, AfterDark)
- Access to comments left by patrons via the session surveys
- Subscriptions to KIN24x7 Newsletters and Updates
Additionally, Provider site accounts will now be necessary to access the KIN24x7 Pathfinder Project materials, both to view and to contribute. The Pathfinders will not be visible to casual viewers of the Provider site. The Pathfinders are meant to serve as a benefit of KIN24x7 participation and all KIN24x7 librarians are encouraged to contribute their expertise to the project.
If there are any questions about Provider site accounts or any other aspect of Ohio's statewide reference service, please email support@knowitnow.org.