Frequently Asked Questions About Your Library & the Website
Below are some commonly asked questions about using your library, the website and the online catalog. Please let us know if something is missing by emailing our webmaster at info@stmalib.org..
- What is my PIN Number?
- Why can't I access my account?
- How do I renew my items online?
- Where can I see a calendar of library events?
- How do I register for library events?
- Will your downloadable files work on my iPod? MP3 player? Macinstosh Computer? etc.
- Do you have games or activities for kids on this website?
- What are the Online Databases and how do I find them?
- Are Online Databases the same as an internet site?
- Do I have to be at the library to use your Online Databases?
- Can you email me when my stuff is due?
- Can I pay my fines online?
- How do I request that the library purchase an item?
- Can I order an item from another library?
- Where is this book located?
- How do I place a hold?
- What does "Check Shelves" mean and where are they?
- How do I do a quick search for just DVDs or audios?
- How do I reserve a meeting room?
- How do I cancel a meeting room reservation?
- How do I contact a group using your meeting room?
- How do I print from my or the library's laptop?
Your PIN number is usually the last 4 digits of the telephone number you registered with the Library when you applied for your library card. Once you have accessed your account you change this number. See "How to Change Your PIN" for more information.
Why can't I access my account online?
Usually you can not access your Library account online because you do have or have the wrong PIN number. If you have changed your PIN and can not remember it please contact your library and use extension 1003 for help in resetting your PIN.
How do I renew my items online?
You can renew your items online directly through the My Account section of the online catalog. Click here for a direct link.
Where can I see a calendar of library events?
You can access the "calendar" view of library events by selecting Calendar under Events & News. Current weeks events are listed on our home page with children's and teen programs listed on their pages.
How do I register for library events?
Each library event will have a "SIGN UP" button located next to the event description. Just click on that button to be taken to the registration page for that event.
Will your downloadable files work on my iPod? MP3 player? Macinstosh Computer? etc.
Since these services are offered by outside vendors, they each have different requirements that your library does not have any control over. Overdrive has a compatibility listing that is available by clicking here. MyLibraryDV has a list of FAQ's about their service and compatibility here.
Do you have games or activities for kids on this website?
We do not provide games via our website. But we have links to many child friendly websites that do. Check out our Internet On Ramp page for these links.
What are the Online Databases and how do I find them?
Online databases are collections of reliable sources of information and reference materials previously available in print and now available online. Many include magazine and newspaper articles. To access these free resources click on the Search for Material tab at the top of the page or click on Online Databases in the Find It box on the right side of the page.
Are Online Databases the same as an internet site?
No, they are not Internet sites but are made available on the Internet. These databases are recognized by the schools as reliable, non-Internet sources which can be sited.
Do I have to be at the library to use your Online Databases?
No. These databases can be reached from any Internet connection with a valid library card from any public library in Southern Maryland. The only exception is the genealogy database, Ancestry Library Edition. Due to licensing restrictions this database must be used inside the library.
Can you send my overdue notice via email?
Yes we can. You can signup for email delivery at your local library and you will receive the notice faster than vis USPS.
At this time your library us unable to accept online payments of any kind. We are investigating what we need to do and the costs involved.
How do I request that the library purchase an item?
This information is provided on the Contact Us page. Click here for details.
Can I order an item from another library?
If you have checked the catalog for all of Southern Maryland then you can request a book from another Maryland Library via the service called MARINA. MARINA is the state-wide interlibrary loan service, which will allow you to request items from public libraries outside of Southern Maryland. To get to MARINA click here.
When searching our catalog you can request that the search is contained to a specific library location or all libraries in the Southern Maryland Region. If you choose to search all libraries, when your list comes up it will say where the available copies are located or if all copies have been checked out.
Once you have searched the catalog and the list of your item appears on the screen, you will see three (3) buttons next to each title on the left of the screen. The last button is "Place a Hold". Clicking this button will take you the "Place a Hold" page. Complete the information request, making sure you select a library location (branch) to pick up the item at. The library will then either telephone you when the item comes in or send you an email.
What does "Check Shelves" mean and where are they?
This means that the book is on the shelf at the library location(s) specified and that you need to check the shelf for the book. There is no special section called "check shelves" in any library.
How do I do a quick search for just DVDs or audios?
Search using the keyword “DVD” to find DVDs and the keyword “sound recordings” to find audios.
How do I reserve a meeting room?
Meeting rooms are reserved online via computer. This can be done from your home computer or any library computer. We no longer make reservations via telephone. Please check our Meeting Room page for more information.
How do I cancel a meeting room reservation?
To cancel a meeting room please send an email message with the date, name of the group and library meeting room to be cancelled. The correct email address for cancellations is meetingroom@stmalib.org
How do I contact a group using your meeting room?
You will need to contact your local library to obtain the contact information for a specific group that has reserved a library meeting room. Staff will be happy to provide this information to you unless that group has requested that it not be provided to the public.
How do I print from my or the Library's laptop?
On the home page (http://www.stmalib.org) there is a button on the right hand side about half way down the screen. Click on that to get printing directions for laptops.
