The San Mateo Foster City Library offers a seamless online borrowing experience, allowing patrons to access a vast collection of digital materials from the comfort of their own homes. With a valid library card, users can browse and borrow e-books, audiobooks, music, movies, and more, all with just a few clicks. The library's online platform is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for patrons to discover new titles, authors, and genres, and to manage their borrowed items with ease.
Getting Started with Online Borrowing
To begin borrowing online, patrons can visit the San Mateo Foster City Library’s website and log in to their account using their library card number and PIN. From there, they can browse the library’s digital collection, which includes a wide range of materials, such as e-books from popular authors, audiobooks for on-the-go listening, and streaming services for music and movies. Patrons can also use the library’s online catalog to search for specific titles, authors, or subjects, and to place holds on items that are currently unavailable.
Borrowing Digital Materials
Once patrons have found the digital materials they want to borrow, they can simply click the “borrow” button to add the items to their account. The borrowed items will then be available for download or streaming, depending on the type of material. For example, e-books can be downloaded to a tablet or e-reader, while audiobooks can be streamed directly to a smartphone or computer. The library’s online platform also allows patrons to manage their borrowed items, including renewing loans, returning items early, and checking due dates.
| Material Type | Loan Period | Renewal Limit |
|---|---|---|
| E-books | 3 weeks | 2 renewals |
| Audiobooks | 3 weeks | 2 renewals |
| Music | 1 week | 1 renewal |
| Movies | 3 days | No renewals |
Accessibility and Compatibility
The San Mateo Foster City Library’s online borrowing platform is designed to be accessible and compatible with a wide range of devices and formats. Patrons can access the platform using their computer, tablet, or smartphone, and can download or stream digital materials to their preferred device. The library also offers a range of assistive technologies, such as screen readers and closed captions, to ensure that all patrons can access and enjoy the digital collection.
Technical Requirements
To use the library’s online borrowing platform, patrons will need to have a few basic technical requirements in place. These include a stable internet connection, a compatible web browser, and a device with sufficient storage space to download or stream digital materials. The library’s website also provides detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips to help patrons resolve any technical issues that may arise.
- Internet connection: 1.5 Mbps or faster
- Web browser: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari
- Device: Computer, tablet, or smartphone with sufficient storage space
How do I get a library card to borrow online materials?
+To get a library card, visit the San Mateo Foster City Library’s website and fill out the online application form. You will need to provide some basic information, such as your name, address, and contact details. Once your application is processed, you will receive a library card number and PIN, which you can use to access the library’s online borrowing platform.
Can I borrow online materials from other libraries?
+Yes, the San Mateo Foster City Library participates in a number of regional and national library networks, which allow patrons to borrow online materials from other libraries. To access these materials, simply log in to your library account and search for the title you want to borrow. If the title is available from another library, you can place a hold and have it delivered to your local library for pickup.
How do I return online borrowed materials?
+Returning online borrowed materials is easy. Simply log in to your library account and go to the “my account” section. From there, you can select the titles you want to return and click the “return” button. The titles will then be removed from your account, and you will no longer be able to access them. If you have downloaded e-books or audiobooks to your device, you may need to delete them manually to free up storage space.
