Borrowing Items & Circulation Frequently Asked Questions
Please note: As of January 2020 the CSM Library has switched from a catalog shared with PLS libraries to a catalog shared with SMCCCD libraries only. During this transition some of our circulation policies are being revised. If you have questions about this change not answered by the questions below please visit our FAQ page or contact the Circulation Desk directly at (650) 574-6548.
BORROWING UPDATES
- Check your OneSearch account to see what items you currently have checked out
- There are no fines or late fees for regular overdue items; technology and reserves may accumulate fees
- If you'd like to request an item from a PLS or other library please see our Interlibrary Loan page
- Please use the Library's Connect services if you would like to speak to the library directly about any additional issues
Applying for a Library Card
- How do I borrow books from CSM Library?
- How do I get a library card at CSM?
- I have a library card from the City of San Mateo Public Library (or other public library in San Mateo County). Can I use this library card to check out books at CSM Library?
- I am a distance education student who cannot physically get to the CSM campus to obtain an ID card. How do I get a library card, or access to the Library's online databases?
Borrowing, Renewing, and Returning Library Materials
- How many books may I borrow at one time from CSM Library?
- Can I return books at CSM Library that I borrowed from another library in San Mateo County or vice versa?
- How long may I borrow books from CSM Library?
- What if I lose or damage a book or other library item that I borrow?
Requesting Library Items (Placing Holds)
- What is "placing a hold" or "requesting an item"?
- How will I know my hold is ready to pick up?
- I've already placed a hold on an item, but now I want to change where I pick it up.
- I'm having trouble getting email notification of holds and overdue materials. What do I do?
- I placed a hold on a title in the Online Catalog but when the hold was filled it was for a different volume than the one I wanted. How can I place a hold on a specific volume?
Paying Fines and Fees
- How much are fines for overdue books and magazines at CSM Library?
- How do I pay my fines online?
- Is there a minimum amount for payment?
- What will show up on my credit card statement?
- What forms of payment are accepted online? What about PayPal?
How do I borrow books from CSM Library?
You can use your student or staff ID to check out items from the CSM Library. All
current SMCCCD students, faculty, and staff have library accounts that allow them
to check out items from the CSM Library. PLS Library cards are no longer used for
check out but users can request PLS items for pick-up at CSM.
How do I get an ID card to check out books?
If you already have an SMCCCD student, staff or faculty ID card then this is your
library card. Students who need an ID card can visit the Center for Student Life in Building 12 to get a student ID card. Staff and faculty should contact CSM security to inquire
about getting a staff ID card.
I have a library card from the City of San Mateo Public Library (or other public library
in San Mateo County). Can I use this library card to check out books at CSM Library?
As of January 2020 the CSM Library is no longer using San Mateo City, County, or other
PLS library cards for access; a current SMCCCD card is now the lending card for CSM
Library. For information about your current PLS library card please visit our FAQ page. If you are a community member interested in using the CSM Library's resources please
contact the CIrculation Desk at (650) 574-6548.
I am a distance education student. How do I get a library card, or access to the Library's
online databases?
If you are a current SMCCCD student then you can access our online resources from
off-campus using your OneLogin account. Your OneLogin account uses the same username
and password as your Canvas account and will allow you to access all of the CSM Library's
online resources. When accessing our online resources: select SMCCCD Login or OneLogin
when prompted, and contact the librarian if you have any trouble with access.
How many books may I borrow at one time from CSM Library?
TBD
Can I return books at CSM Library that I borrowed from another library in San Mateo
County or vice versa?
TBD
How long may I borrow books from CSM Library?
Regular circulating items check out for a period of 3 weeks.
What if I lose or damage a book or other library item that I borrow?
TBD
What is "placing a hold" or "requesting an item"?
TBD
How will I know my hold is ready to pick up?
TBD
I've already placed a hold on an item, but now I want to change where I pick it up.
TBD
I'm having trouble getting email notification of holds and overdue materials. What
do I do?
TBD
I placed a hold on a title in the Online Catalog but when the hold was filled it was
for a different volume than the one I wanted. How can I place a hold on a specific
volume?
TBD
How much are fines for overdue books and magazines at CSM Library?
The CSM Library no longer charges fines for overdue items. Items that are kept out
past the due date may receive a replacement bill; this can typically be waived once
the item is returned.
How do I pay my library fees online?
TBD
Is there a minimum amount for payment?
TBD
What will show up on my credit card statement?
TBD
What forms of payment are accepted online? What about PayPal?
TBD
The question I had in mind does not appear in this list. Where can I get more information?
A librarian or other staff member of College of San Mateo Library will be happy to
provide additional library-related information at (650) 574-6232, or via email, chat, or text.