Circulation FAQs

How do I borrow books from CSM Library?
You will need a Peninsula Library System (PLS) library card. Exceptions to this rule cannot be made; if you do not have a library card, or if you forgot to bring it with you, you may not borrow books from CSM Library.

How do I get a library card at CSM?
Anyone can get a library card at CSM Library as long as they do the following: Present a California I.D., California driver’s license, or other valid photo identification verifying your residency in California and, if you are currently enrolled at CSM, a student ID card or any CSM document with your student ID number, also called a G number.

If I do not have a California ID or other ID with my current address, what other identification will CSM Library accept?
A photo ID with your first and last name is acceptable, such as a passport or student ID card. If the photo ID you have does not have your current local address in California, you will also need to present documentation with this information. Examples of acceptable documentation verifying your current local address in California are your CSM class schedule (also referred to as a print bill schedule) or a utility bill.

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?
Yes. CSM Library is one of the many libraries in the Peninsula Library System (PLS). Your library card from any of these PLS libraries will allow you to borrow books, magazines, CDs and other material from any public library in San Mateo County, regardless of which PLS member library issued you your card.

How many books may I borrow at one time from CSM Library?
Altogether you may borrow no more than ten books at one time from CSM Library and no more than five books per subject.

Can I return books at CSM Library that I borrowed from another library in San Mateo County or vice versa?
Yes. In either case, your books will be immediately checked in and promptly returned to the library from which they were borrowed.

How long may I borrow books from CSM Library?
You may borrow books from CSM Library for three weeks. You have the option to renew them for an additional three weeks as long as there are no holds on it.

How much are fines for overdue books and magazines at CSM Library?
A 25 cent fee is charged per item each day beyond the item's due date. (e.g., the total overdue fine for a book that is returned three days past its due date is $0.75.). To avoid overdue fines please return books in a timely manner or renew them before they are due. Fines accessed from the renewal of overdue books may be paid at CSM Library or any PLS Library.

How do I renew books?
Materials may be renewed online or by phone at (650) 638-0399, or in person at any public library in San Mateo County. A tutorial for renewing books online is available here.

If you try to renew your books and it is not possible, there could be a number of reasons for this. The most common reason is that someone placed a hold on the book(s) or item(s) you have checked out. Another reason may be that you have renewed it once before. Books and other library items from CSM Library cannot be renewed more than once (note that other PLS libraries may have different renewal policies for their items).

What is 'placing a hold' or ‘requesting an item’?
If a book or any library item is checked out, and you want to borrow it, you may request it by placing a hold on it. Or, if an item is at one library and you would prefer that it come to another library of your choice, rather than going to that library to pick it up there, you may place a hold on it. You may place a hold by contacting or going to any of the PLS libraries or online. At most libraries, a 75 cent fee per item is charged for requesting an item to be held. However, CSM Library will waive this fee for any item that is picked up at CSM.

My instructor told me that I need to go to the reserve section of the library and check out a textbook (or quiz, or magazine article). Where do I go?
If your instructor assigns your class to check out reserve materials, it is very important to know your instructor's last name and the course title and number (all of which can be found in your course syllabus and the CSM class schedule). Then, go to the library loan desk, located to your left as you enter the library. Ask the staff for the reserve material(s) for your class by giving the instructor's name and course title. You must present your library card to borrow reserve materials.

Most reserve materials are on loan for a two-hour period and can only be used in the library. Some reserve materials can be borrowed for one to three days, but may not be renewed.

You can search for reserve items online. Searches of reserve materials can be made by entering your course name or instructor’s name. You can search for and view reserve materials that are available at CSM Library, as well as Canada College and Skyline College.

Can I borrow magazines or journals from CSM Library?
Yes. Back issues of periodicals are available to borrow for three days. They may be renewed once. Current issues of periodicals may not be borrowed.

I'm taking a T.V. course and I need to check out videos. Where do I go to borrow them?
Telecourse videos are available at the Multipurpose Computer Commons Desk located in the library and may be borrowed for 24 hours only. You must present your library card to borrow telecourse videos from CSM Library. Telecourse videos may not be renewed. If you wish to borrow all the videos for a TV course at one time, you may contact the Distance Learning Office at 650-524-6933 for more information.

May I use the Internet at CSM Library?
Yes. To use the computers at CSM Library, you must have a PLS library card. To use the library’s computers for word processing and other software applications or for Internet use, you will be instructed to enter the 14-digit barcode on the back of you library card and your PIN (usually the last 4 digits of your phone number). Specific directions for use are posted at each computer workstation. Computers at CSM Library are available for use from ½ hour to a maximum of 2 hours. Click here for CSM Library's Internet policy [pdf file]. Computer workstations also offer access to a variety of electronic resources for research. WiFi is also available at CSM Library.

May I type and/or print school work such as essays at the library?
Yes. Most of our computer workstations have a variety of software applications such as Microsoft Office Word and Microsoft Excel. WiFi is also available at CSM Library, which makes it possible to use your laptop computer to print your documents. A printing fee of 15 cents per page is charged for any document you would like printed.

Does CSM Library have photocopiers and microfilm readers?
Yes. Copies cost 15 cents each.

What kinds of assistive technology and equipment does CSM Library have?
CSM Library provides a CCTV that will enlarge printed material on books and other printed matter; a Kurzweil text reader/speech synthesizer; and a TTY. All computer work stations are also equipped with standard text enlargers. For more information about the assistive equipment available at CSM Library, please call the Reference desk at 650-574-6232. For more information about assistive technology and equipment at College of San Mateo, contact the Disability Resource Center in Building 16, Room 150; phone: 650-574-6438 [voice] or 574-358-6803 [TTY]