FAQs

Does the Library have Rosetta Stone language learning materials that I can use from my home computer?

Rosetta Stone no longer renews public libraries' subscriptions to its online language programs nor allows purchase of any additional CD-ROM products that could be checked out by library patrons. We will continue to make our CD-ROMs, previously purchased available and apologize for the long waiting list.  The Library has many other language learning materials available for checkout. Click here for some recommendations.

Note on installing Rosetta Stone:  Unless you are an instructor with more than one student, you do not need to install the Student Management System (SMS) CD-ROM.  If you have installed the SMS but do not want to use it, you can bypass it as follows:

For Version 2.1.5.1Asms: When the “Rosetta Stone SMS Client Configuration” dialog box appears, click the X to close it.  A screen will appear titled “Client Setup.”  Select “Stand-Alone” and click OK.

For Version 2.1.5.3Asms: When you are prompted to enter a username, enter guest and click login.

Or, if you are never going to use the SMS, follow these instructions to delete the SMS from your computer.

What type of video games does the library make available for checkout?

Video console games have proven to be a popular addition as they have both educational and entertainment value. The Library continually responds to the needs and interests of our patrons of all ages. Below are valuable links to help locate console games in our library catalog. A Basic Search with the words "Nintendo Wii video games", "Nintendo GameCube", and "Sony video games" can also be performed in the library catalog when selecting the heading "Subject Keyword(s)" from the pull down menu.

• Nintendo Wii video games
• Nintendo GameCube
• Sony video games (Playstation & Playstation 2)

How late can I return an item in the Bookdrop before it's considered late or overdue?

Items returned in the bookdrop before 8 a.m. will be checked in as if returned the previous day.

How can I recommend that the library purchases specific books, videos, CDs and other materials?

You can submit your recommendations on the phone or in person at your local library, or by e-mail through Suggestions for Purchase.

I have looked in the Santa Clara County Library catalog and the library does not own the materials I am looking for. How can I get these materials?

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that allows Santa Clara County Library card-holders to get a wide range of materials not available through the Santa Clara Clara County Library system. Some materials are more difficult to obtain because other libraries may not loan, including reference items, original or rare materials, newspapers in original format (although these may be available on microfilm), DVDs, and videocassettes. New items (i.e. purchased within the last twelve months) are not available through ILL. You may wish to recommend newer titles for purchase for the Santa Clara County Library collection by submitting a Suggestions for Purchase form online. Locating and receiving a requested item usually takes 6-8 weeks. There is a $4.00 non-refundable processing fee for each ILL item. In addition some lending libraries may charge additional fees. For more information on how to place an Interlibrary Loan Request, click here, or call the Interlibrary Loan Department at (408) 293-2326 x 3013.

Does the Library accept donations of books, videos, etc.?

The Santa Clara County Library is grateful for your donations of books and other library materials. Gift additions to the library's collection must meet the same selection criteria as purchased materials. Please see our Materials Selection Policy for further explanation of these criteria. If donated materials are not added to the library collection they may be sold at one of the Friends of the Library book sales unless the donor specifies otherwise. Funds generated by the Friends book sales financially support the library. Please check with your Community Library for specific instructions about what types of materials are useful and for directions about where to bring your items. Click here for information about memorial gifts.

I need to do research or look for an obituary in Santa Clara County. What is available?

Santa Clara County Library patrons can request obituary searches of local newspapers using our Ask A Librarian form. Out of area and out of state users may take advantage of a new fee based service provided by the BALIS/PLS/SVLS System Reference Center. For more information about obtaining obituaries, please refer to this page.

How can I apply for a job with the Santa Clara County Library?

Part-time library pages are hired directly by each Community Library. For more information on these hourly page positions, please contact the Library Circulation Supervisor at the Community Library in your area. For information on job opportunities with the County, visit the County of Santa Clara Employee Services Agency website.

How can I get involved volunteering at the library?

Many different volunteer opportunities are available to anyone who wishes to support their library with their time or talent. For volunteering information please contact your local library directly. Additional volunteer opportunities are also available through Vision Literacy a service that provides free tutoring to adults who want to read and write. For more information on how to get involved, click here.

I have forgotten my library PIN. How do I obtain a new one?

When you register for a card, you are asked to select a PIN of your choosing. If you do not select an alternate PIN, the last 4 digits of your phone number will be used by default. Once you select an alternate PIN, only that number can be used

If you have forgotten your PIN (Personal Identification Number) and your account is currently set up for email notification, send an email from that account to circulation@library.sccgov.org requesting that your PIN be reset to the last 4 digits of your phone number. (Email is answered during office hours, Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

If you have forgotten your PIN and do not have an email address on file, you will need to go to the Checkout Desk and ask for assistance. We cannot give you this information over the phone.

I am having trouble accessing online databases from my home or office computer.

In order to access the online databases, like Morningstar or Safari Tech ebook, from your home or office computer, you need to enter your valid Santa Clara County Library card number and PIN that is associated with your Santa Clara County Library card. Remember to enter your library card number without any spaces. If you need help, you can call your local library for more information, submit an Electronic Resources Help form to us, or use the Electronic Resource Troubleshooting FAQ page for more information.

With what systems is the library's online catalog compatible?

Minimum requirements for Windows and UNIX: Internet Explorer version 6.02 and Netscape version 7.1. Minimum requirements for Linux: Netscape version 7.1. Minimum requirements for Mac OS 10.3.1 or higher: Netscape version 7.1 and Safari version 1.2.1 (1.25.1).