Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access the database?

*Register for a PolyTalk account at https://my.polytalk.info. Choose the Library Staff Account option if you work in a library and would like access to the database to contact interpreters. If you are a staff member who would also like to volunteer, please register for a Library Staff Account and check the box indicating that you would also like to interpret. You will have the opportunity to add your interpreter data after your account is approved. To protect the privacy of PolyTalk interpreters and to keep feedback sessions linked to the correct staff person, each library staff person must register for their own account.

I would like to volunteer as an interpreter. How do I sign up?

*Register for a Volunteer Interpreter account at this page. After your registration is complete, you will be contacted by library staff who need your assistance to communicate with limited English proficient patrons. Each volunteer interpreter chooses when he or she will be available. The time commitment is minimal and all interpretation is completed over the phone. If you are bilingual, please consider donating your time to PolyTalk.

How do I search for an interpreter?

*Log in to the database with your username, usually your full email address, and password. If you have both staff and interpreter accounts, make sure that you are in staff mode -- look for "Initiate Interpreter Session" title at the top of the page. Choose the language you need from the drop down menu and click search. A list of interpreters will be returned with the search. Feel free to practice searching for interpreters.

How do I get the interpreter's phone number after I perform a search of the database?

*After you search for a particular language, the database will return a list of interpreters fluent in the language. From this list, you can check to see if an interpreter is available, review their proficiency in the language, and see their full availability for the week. To access an interpreter's phone number, click the "Session: Initiate Contact" telephone icon. This is the interpreter's personal number. Please do not give it to the patron. When calling an interpreter, explain that you are a library staff person using PolyTalk and that you and your patron need assistance.

Do my patron and I use the same phone?

*There are several options. You and your patron can use an already existing conference-calling feature on the library's phone system. Or, your library can purchase a line splitter. This device allows you to plug two telephones into one jack. You can store the extra handset in a desk drawer until you need it for PolyTalk. Another option is to use the speaker option on your library's phone.

How and when do I leave feedback in the database?

*After you search for and select an interpreter, the "Session: Initiate Contact" phone icon will direct you to a feedback screen. You can leave feedback after the call or search "Library Sessions” the next time you log in to the database to find a record of your call to the interpreter. Interpreters are should also leave feedback in the “Interpreter Sessions” option in the database. You'll be asked to list the date and time of the call and to rate the success of the call. This feedback will not be shared directly with the interpreter or library staff person. PolyTalk staff at Lincoln Trail Libraries System will use the feedback to make PolyTalk work better for everyone.

What are the Language Kits and when will they be available?

*The Language Kit will be used in the library to help you identify the patron's language, to give the patron an overview of the library in their native language, and to help you and the patron navigate some library-specific interactions. The Language Kits are currently in production. Everyone with a PolyTalk staff account will be notified when the kits become available. Don’t wait for a Language Kit to start using PolyTalk. Interpreters are available now to take your calls.