Help Page for Frequently Asked Questions
Here is the complete list of our Frequently Asked Questions, organized by subject and topic. Please note that these questions also appear in the FAQS section at the bottom of each Help Center area.
- General Info
- Lists
- Manage My Collection
- MARC Records
- Orders and Quotes
- Printing
- Reading Programs and Teacher Support Materials
- Searches
- Sets and Suggested Booklists
- User Information
FAQS - General
Does it cost anything to sign up and use this website?
No, both registration and the use of Perma-Bound.com are free.
Can I use Perma-Bound.com at home?
Yes, you can use our website from any computer with an internet connection.
Which web browser do I need?
We recommend using the latest version of Netscape Navigator, Mozilla Firefox, or Internet Explorer. So long as you are experiencing no problems with your browser, the version on your computer is working fine.
Why am I not able to login - what if I forget my username and password?
Call us toll free at +1 800 637-6581, or email us at techsupport@perma-bound.com and we will be happy to assist you.
Can I view your catalog online?
Perma-Bound.com gives you access to every product we offer, including all the items in our catalog. Consider this website a more extensive individualized version of our catalog.
Can I compile a list without registering online?
No, in order to take full advantage of our custom list management tools, you must sign up for an account.
How often are your prices updated?
They are updated daily.
I logged in but I don’t see my lists and orders - what happened?
Try hitting the “refresh” or “reload” button on your web browser. If you have several different user accounts, it is also possible you have logged in to the wrong one. You can double-check your account status by calling us toll free at +1 800 637-6581 or emailing us at techsupport@perma-bound.com.
I have been logged onto perma-bound.com for several days now, but it is asking me to login again now - why?
You are automatically logged off after two weeks time after your initial login to the website. This is for your security and to help us maintain site integrity.
I have more than one user account - can I delete one of them online?
No, but if you call us toll free at +1 800 637-6581 or email us at techsupport@perma-bound.com, we will be happy to assist you.
FAQS - Lists
How do I create a list?
From the My Account page.
From a search results page or the title detail page:
- Click on the “Create New List” link in the left-hand menu - a “New List Name” box will appear.
- Enter your list name and press “Submit”. You can now begin searching and adding items to your newly created list.
How do I add products to my list?
You must first conduct a search (see the Searches). Once you are at a search results page:
- Click on the “Add” box or “AR Quiz” box.
- This can also be done from any Title Detail Page if you are working with an opened list.
How do I delete products from my list?
- Click on the box in the “Add” or “AR Quiz” columns so the check-mark disappears.
- Click on the blue “Update” button.
Why is my list empty?
You need to conduct a search and select some titles to add them to your list.
I added some items to my list but now I don’t see them - why?
If your list is large and contains many items, it will take up several pages. Once items are added to a list they are sorted alphabetically by title (the default setting every time you reopen a list). You can either navigate through the pages using the arrows (◄ and ►) or “Jump to page” button, or sort the list by “As Keyed” (in the very top row above your first displayed title) to view in terms of order added.
What is the difference in priorities - high, normal, and sub?
- High - these items will be the first ones added to your order when it is processed at Perma-Bound. This is important when using the “Do Not Exceed” dollar amount option during check out (see Orders and Quotes).
- Normal - the default setting.
- Sub - these items will be added if the rest of your order has been filled but did not meet your “Do Not Exceed” dollar amount, or they will be substituted for out of stock or discontinued items.
I have added many different items to my list over a period of time - how do I view my list in terms of the order in which these items were added?
Sort your list by “As Keyed” (in the very top row above your first displayed title) and it will show the results in terms of the order added.
I deleted some titles from my list but I still see them there - why?
You may have deleted the titles from the “Add” column but forgot to delete them from the “AR Quiz” column. A list will continue to display a title if either of these two columns contains a check-mark.
How do I combine separate lists together?
Use the “Merge” function
How do I split a list into to separate smaller lists?
Although you cannot automatically split a list at present, we do provide suggestions and a step-by-step example of how to manually perform the process here.
FAQS - Manage My Collection
What are the basic steps of using Manage My Collection?
- Export your MARC records from your software circulation system as a single file.
- Upload this file from your computer using the “Update” feature under the “Manage My Collection” heading on your “My Account” page.
- Perma-Bound will apply the results to your user profile overnight.
What do those icons mean?
Exact match - identical ISBNs from your MARC
records and Perma-Bound’s database for that title OR exact title,
author, and date.
Partial match - Perma-Bound’s database
matched the title and either the author or illustrator to your records
for that product. Publisher, publish date, AR quiz, and Reading Counts
quiz information is also used. You should check your collection for more
thorough verification.
No match - your collection does not appear to include
that title.
How long before my collection file is applied to my user profile?
Your updated collection will be matched to your user profile the morning after you submit your file (our program runs the analysis overnight).
I am not sure how to export my records - how should I proceed?
Check the export instruction procedures for your software circulation system here. If you do not see your system or are still having problems, please refer to your software’s Help section, your System Administrator, or call Perma-Bound toll free at +1 800 637-6581
How many files can I upload per day?
You can upload as many as you like. Just be sure you are choosing “append to your current collection” when adding files to an existing collection.
How do I remove duplicate titles from a list or search results?
- Conduct a search or open a list.
- In the “Select Items” drop-down box, click on “Select All Items”.
- In the “Select Items” drop-down box, click on “Deselect all (or exact or partial) matches”.
- Add the remaining items to a new or existing list (for search results); click on “Update” (for a list).
FAQS - MARC Records
How do I download my MARC records?
First you have to select to download your records as part of a processing preference. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
I have selected to download my MARC records and they are now available - how do I proceed?
Step-by-step instructions can be found here.
I want to download my MARC records but my processing preference is on file - how can I choose this option?
Call us toll free at +1 800 637-6581 to speak with a customer care representative. They will make the necessary changes to your processing preference on file.
I deleted my MARC records by accident but now I need them again - what should I do?
Call us toll free at +1 800 637-6581 to speak with a customer care representative.
FAQS - Orders and Quotes
What is the difference between a quote and an order?
A quote guarantees prices for 60 days and generates a printable list that includes details on all selected products as well as your shipping and billing information. An order takes the process a step further and submits your list to Perma-Bound’s facilities, where we will fill and ship it as soon as possible.
How do I submit an order or quote?
The process has several steps. For a broad overview of the process, click here. To see how to begin, click here.
What if I don’t want to place my order online?
You always have the option of printing a quote or order and sending it to us via fax or conventional mail if such is your preference.
How do I know if my order or quote was successfully submitted?
First, you will see the current date entered in the Date Ordered or Date Quoted column in the Lists, Orders, Quotes, area of Perma-Bound.com’s My Account page. Second, you should receive an email confirmation message soon after submission.
How do I cancel an order submitted by mistake or make changes once it has been submitted online?
Call us toll free at +1 800 637-6581 as soon as possible.
I am sure I submitted my order but have received no email confirmation and no date is displayed in the “date ordered” area - what should I do?
Call us toll free at +1 800 637-6581 or email at techsupport@perma-bound.com and we will confirm whether or not we received it.
I submitted a quote, but after reviewing it with my supervisors or colleagues decided to make some changes - can your change my quote back to a list?
Yes we can - call us toll free at +1 800 637-6581 or email at techsupport@perma-bound.com. As an alternative, you can make a copy of any list you feel you might want to alter, either before or after submitting it as a quote.
What if I want to print my order or quote without submitting it?
No problem-you can print from the Confirmation Page or select “Print as Order/Quote” for additional options. Click on “Back” or “Cancel” to exit these pages without submitting your order or quote.
How do I change my address information while submitting an order or quote?
If you see that your address information needs to be changed, click on the “add new address” link on the in the Order/Quote Information page. This will open the User Addresses subpage, allowing you make additional for entries. Newly created addresses will be saved in your User Profile and available for selection in the drop-down boxes.
Do I need to have a Purchase Order number to place an order?
If your school district or organization requires a PO number, you should be sure to include it. If not, enter your last name in the PO number box for authorization.
Should I wait until I have a Purchase Order number before submitting my order online?
If your school district or organization requires a PO number, you should wait to include it. This reduces the chances of a duplicate order being submitted.
Where do I enter my credit card information?
We do not yet accept credit card orders online, though we are in the process of adding this option. You can call us toll free at +1 800 637-6581 to pay by credit card.
Can I place an order if I am not affiliated with a school or library?
Yes-call us toll free at +1 800 637-6581 to make arrangements to pay by credit card, check, or money order.
My processing preferences are on file with Perma-Bound - how do I review them?
Call us toll free at +1 800 637-6581 and ask to speak with the Processing department.
My processing preferences are on file with Perma-Bound - do I still need to enter the price manually?
Currently you do. If you are unsure of the price for your preferences on file, call us toll free at +1 800 637-6581 and ask to speak with the Processing department.
I am selecting processing preferences for the first time and there is a lot of information to digest - whom should I call for assistance?
Contact your local service representative, or call us toll free at +1 800 637-6581 and ask to speak with the Processing department.
FAQS - Printing
How do I get started printing?
Details for printing a list are here. For printing an order or quote, click here.
My print screen has too much/not enough information - how do I change it?
Take a look at the Print Options page. You can try different printing options and easily move back in forth between this page and the Print Screen by clicking on the “Back” link at the bottom of the page (or by using you browser’s “Back” button). Once you are satisfied, click on “Print”, also at the bottom, to open your browser’s print menu.
I sorted by Dewy/Reading Level/Interest Level and my print screen begins with items that have no entries for these criteria - why?
When sorting items by a numerical criterion, Perma-Bound.com will display those items that have no value first. For a Dewey, Reading Level, or Interest Level sort, this includes items such as Teacher’s Guides, Perma-Guides, and other support materials, as well as some product sets, and audio-visual titles.
I was printing an order/quote and noticed my billing/shipping address was incorrect - how do I change this?
You can add or edit address information from the Order/Quote Information page or your User Profile. Simply navigate back to one of these two pages and make any needed changes.
Do you have an order form I can print?
You can use a printout of any list, order, or quote as and order form for fax or conventional mail. Order forms are also included in the pdf versions of most of our other product materials, such as Perma-Picks or the ALA Awards Brochure, which can be found on the Perma-Bound.com homepage.
Can I send my printed list to my district office for approval or purchase order addition, and then have them fax or mail it to you as an order?
Yes, certainly. We will always work with you to ensure satisfaction. If you don’t want to or are unable to place orders online, you can always print a list, order, or quote and mail or fax it to us instead.
How do I print one of my processing preferences separately?
- Click on “User Profile” in the User Information page.
- In the Processing Preferences area, select a preference and click on the “Print” button. You will be taken to a Processing Preferences Print screen.
- Scroll down Scroll down and click on “Print” to open your web browser’s print menu. When you are finished, click on “Back” to return to the User Profile page.
FAQS - Reading Programs and Teacher Support Materials
What’s the difference between the various reading levels?
AR Reading Levels refer to the Accelerated Reader program and will match the basic Reading Level assigned by Perma-Bound where applicable. RC Reading Levels refer to the Reading Counts! program produced by Scholastic, which follows a separate scale.
How much are AR quizzes?
Custom quizzes are $2.99 each, with a required minimum of twenty per order.
I tried to check out and received a message that I do not have enough AR Quizzes - why?
You need a minimum of twenty AR Quizzes to place and order.
How do I change which reading programs are displayed within my search results and lists?
- Navigate to the User Info page from the link on the My Account page.
- Add or remove the check-mark for Accelerated Reader, Reading Counts!, or Lexile by clicking within the respective box.
- Click on “Update”.
I selected/deselected some AR Quizzes, but the changes didn’t show up on my list later - why?
In order to save any changes, you need to click on the blue “Update” button after altering your list.
Can I order AR quizzes without ordering the books?
You certainly can. Just be sure the check-mark indicating selection appears in the AR Quiz column of your list, but not in the Add column (which will select the book also). Also be sure your order includes the required minimum of twenty quizzes.
FAQS - Searches
I have conducted a search and would now like to save some items to a list - how do I proceed?
- Click on the “Create New List” button - a “New List Name” box will appear.
- Enter your list name and press “Submit”. Your new list’s name will appear between the single quotes in the “Add to list” and “View list” buttons.
- Click on “Add”. A red “In List” message will appear beside your newly added items. You can now retrieve your new list at any time from the Lists, Orders, Quotes area of the My Account page.
How can I research a product in detail?
Click on the product’s title, which will take you to the Title Detail page for that item.
My search returned pages and pages of results - how can I limit or refine my results?
Try using the Advanced Search and limiting by Reading Level, Interest Level, Product Type, or any of the other criteria. Click here to see some examples.
Which basic search criterion will return the broadest selection of results?
Use the Keyword option for broad results. Keyword includes these search criteria:
- Title
- Subject Heading
- Title annotations
How do I search for the newest titles?
You can use the Copyright Date field in Advanced Search and enter a range of the last few years.
NOTE: You must enter years in both the “To” and “From” boxes - if you want to search a particular year (2005, for example), enter that year in both boxes.
What are Teacher’s Guides, Perma-Guides, Crossroads to Literature, Novel Units, and Student Packets? How do I search for them?
Click here for a brief overview of these support materials. To search for these support materials, go to the Advanced Search page and select them in the “Product Type” drop-down box.
FAQS - Sets and Suggested Booklists
What’s the difference between Suggested Booklists and sets?
Suggested Booklists are popular sets and product series that have been organized by category for your browsing convenience.
How do I search for sets?
You can search for Sets through use of the Advanced Search tool by selecting Sets in the Product Type drop-down box in conjunction with any of the other search criteria.
How do I add sets to a custom list?
The process is much the same as entering individual titles. For a step-by-step description, click here.
I added a set to my list, but when I proceed to checkout I don’t see the AR Quizzes for the titles included in my set as part of my order or quote - how do I add these quizzes?
Because our ordering system does not include AR Quizzes in product sets, you must add them manually. For a step-by-step description, click here.
I was looking at a printout for my order or quote and noticed it includes unwanted duplicates for many titles - what happened?
You may have navigated to the Contents page for a particular set and then added check-marks for each of the items listed there (unnecessary, because you always receive every title included in a particular set), or you may have added multiple sets to your list and those sets included many common items. If you want to remove these duplicates, consider removing one or more of the sets then adding other desired titles individually. For a description of how to remove products from sets, click here.
FAQS - User Information
I need to update my basic user information - including email address, password, phone number, and other contact information - how should I proceed?
- Click on the “User Profile” link in the User Information area of the My Account page.
- Click on the “Update” button in the Customer Information area. You will then be taken to the Update User Information subpage.
- Enter or select any changes as needed.
- Click on “Update” at the bottom of the page. You will be returned to the User Profile page, and your updated information will be applied to your user account.
Is it possible to add and use multiple addresses with my profile?
Yes, you can add and edit addresses from the Billing, Shipping Addresses area of the User Profile page. You can also create new addresses from the Order/Quote Information page when submitting an order or quote. If you only have one address (the one you entered when you created your user account), this will be the one used for both billing and shipping.
What’s the difference between Contacts and Contact Groups?
Creating a contact group allows you to quickly send lists to multiple users without having to search through all your individual contacts. You could organize these groups by grade level (K-3, Middle School, etc.), subject (Reading, History, Civics, etc.), or school location.
I tried to add a new contact but received an error message - what happened?
You may have entered the contact’s name (Jane Doe) instead of their contact user ID (jdoe123). Make sure you know your prospective contact’s user ID before proceeding.
How can I add or remove Accelerated Reader, Reading Counts!, and Lexile information from my list and search results pages?
Go to the Reading Program Viewing Information area of the User Profile and click on the box next to the program you would like to add or remove. When finished, click on “Update”.
My processing preferences are on file with Perma-Bound - how do I review them?
Call us toll free at +1 877 277-0196 to speak with the Processing department.
My processing preferences are on file with Perma-Bound - do I still need to enter the price manually?
Currently you do. If you are unsure of the price for your on file preferences, call us toll free at +1 877 277-0196 to speak with the Processing department.
I am selecting processing preferences for the first time and there is a lot of information to digest - whom should I call for assistance?
Contact your local service representative, or call us toll free at +1 877 277-0196 to speak with the Processing department.