Free Guide to Accessing Library Resources Online

Understanding What Library Resources Are Available Online

Public libraries have expanded far beyond physical books and magazines. Today, most libraries offer digital materials that you can view from your home computer, tablet, or smartphone. These resources include e-books, audiobooks, digital magazines, research databases, and streaming video collections. The types of materials available vary by library system, but many libraries share resources through regional networks, meaning you may have access to more materials than your local branch alone provides.

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E-books are digital versions of printed books that you can read on devices like Kindles, tablets, or computers. Audiobooks are narrated versions of books that you listen to rather than read. Digital magazines and newspapers give you access to current publications and archived content. Research databases contain articles, journals, and reference materials on thousands of topics. Some libraries also offer streaming services for movies, documentaries, and educational videos similar to commercial streaming platforms.

The size of these digital collections can be substantial. For example, a mid-sized public library system might offer 100,000 e-books, 50,000 audiobooks, and access to 200 research databases. Larger urban library systems may have even more. However, the exact number and types of resources depend on your local library's budget and partnerships with other institutions.

Understanding what exists in your library's online collection is the first step to using these resources. Most libraries list their digital offerings on their main website, organized by category. You can browse these categories to see what materials are available without needing a library card first, though you'll need one to actually borrow items.

Practical Takeaway: Visit your local library's website and look for a section labeled "Digital Resources," "Online Materials," or "eLibrary." Spend time exploring what categories exist. Make a list of databases or collections that match your interests, whether that's history, cooking, fiction, or professional development.

How to Get and Use Your Library Card for Online Access

A library card is your key to accessing online materials. Most public libraries issue cards at no cost to residents of their service area. If you live within the geographic area that the library serves, you can obtain a card. Some libraries serve entire counties, while others serve specific cities or regions. A few libraries offer cards to non-residents for a small annual fee, typically between $25 and $100.

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The process of getting a library card has changed significantly in recent years. Many libraries now allow you to create a digital library card online without visiting a physical branch. You provide your name, address, email, and phone number through the library's website. The library verifies that you live in their service area using databases like the post office address database. Within minutes to a few hours, you receive a temporary card number that you can use immediately to borrow digital materials. Later, you may visit a branch to receive a physical card, or the digital card may become permanent after a set period.

Some libraries still require an in-person visit to verify your identity and address. If this is the case, bring a government-issued ID and a document showing your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The process typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. Staff members will photograph your ID, record your information, and give you a card number on the spot. You can then use this number online immediately.

Once you have a card, you'll create a login account on the library's website. This account is separate from your card number. You'll choose a username and password that you use to log into the library's online system. This account lets you search the catalog, borrow items, check due dates, renew materials, and place holds on items that are currently checked out.

Practical Takeaway: Go to your local library's website and look for the "Get a Library Card" or "New Patron" section. Check whether you can register online or if you need to visit in person. If online registration is available, complete it now. If an in-person visit is required, note the library's hours and bring the documents listed above. Once you have your card number, create your online account immediately.

Searching and Borrowing E-Books and Audiobooks

The library's online catalog works similarly to shopping websites, but instead of purchasing items, you borrow them. You search by title, author, subject, or keyword. The catalog shows you which items are available immediately and which have waiting lists. Unlike physical books, digital items don't need to be physically returned. They automatically "return" themselves on the due date, which is usually 14 to 21 days after you borrow them.

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Most libraries use one of two main systems for lending e-books and audiobooks: OverDrive and Libby, or Hoopla. OverDrive and Libby offer millions of titles across many genres. Hoopla offers a smaller but still substantial collection and has no waiting lists, meaning popular books are always available. Some large library systems use both systems, giving patrons more options. A few libraries have developed their own platforms.

To borrow an item, search for it in the online catalog, click the title, and select "Borrow" or "Check Out." The item downloads to your device or becomes available to read or listen to in an app. You don't pay anything at this stage. If the item is checked out, you can place a hold, which puts you in a virtual waiting list. When the item becomes available, the library sends you an email notification. You then have a set period, usually three to seven days, to check it out before your hold expires.

The time you can keep a borrowed item varies. E-books typically have lending periods of 14 days, though some are 21 days or even longer. Audiobooks are often available for 14 days. Some items have shorter lending periods of seven days. Unlike physical books, you cannot renew digital items if someone else has a hold on them. However, if no one is waiting for the item, you can renew it for another lending period directly through your account.

Practical Takeaway: Search for three books you've been meaning to read. Note how many copies the library owns and how many people are waiting. Choose one that's available now and borrow it. Download the Libby or Hoopla app to your phone or tablet, and read the first chapter. Get comfortable with how the app works so you'll be ready when you want to borrow your next item.

Using Research Databases and Journals for Learning

Research databases contain millions of articles, academic journals, and reference materials on specialized topics. These are different from general web searches. When you search Google, you get results from any website that mentions your topic. When you search a library research database, you get results from vetted, published sources like peer-reviewed journals, industry publications, and reference works. These sources have been fact-checked and edited by subject experts, making them more reliable for serious research or learning.

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Common research databases include EBSCO, ProQuest, Gale, and JSTOR. Each database specializes in certain subjects. For example, EBSCO hosts general-interest articles and some academic journals. JSTOR focuses on scholarly articles in humanities and social sciences. ProQuest offers access to dissertations and theses. Gale databases cover topics like business, health, biography, and more. Your library likely subscribes to several databases, each with a different focus and collection size.

To use a research database, log into your library account and find the databases section on the library's website. Look for a list of databases organized by subject. Click the database that matches your topic. You'll then be taken to the database's search page. Enter your search terms and the database returns relevant articles and papers. Many results include the full text, which you can read immediately. Some results show only abstracts or summaries, and you can request the full article through interlibrary loan if your library doesn't own it.

Research databases are particularly useful for specific information needs. If you're researching the history of labor unions, a database might return 500 relevant articles instead of the millions of results Google provides. If you're studying for a test on medical conditions, database articles are written by medical experts and are more detailed and accurate than general website articles. College students use these databases for research papers. Adults learning new subjects use them for detailed information. Professionals use them to stay current in their fields.

Practical Takeaway: Identify a topic you'd like to learn more about. Go to your library's website and find the research databases list. Choose a database that covers your topic. Search for five articles related to your topic. Read the