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This tutorial covers some features of our new CSM WorldCat database
at the College of San Mateo library
that are particularly useful for our off-campus and distance students.
CSM WorldCat allows you to search for books and other items
in thousands more libraries than just your home library.
The new CSM WorldCat lets you choose where you want to search for books,
in many more places than just the library building on campus.
For example, say you are a distance student,
and you would rather look for books or other items
that are in a library branch that is closer to your home
than the CSM library is.
You can narrow your search results by your ZIP code,
to find things in libraries close to you.
Start with a search.
Say you find a book you want.
Scroll down and click where it says
“Worldwide libraries own this item.”
At the top, there is a place where you can type in your ZIP code
and click “Find libraries.”
The libraries closest to you are now listed at the top.
If you find something in a nearby library that you are not affiliated with,
make sure that you contact that library to find out about their loan policies.
You may also be able to access those materials through CSM’s Inter-Library Loan program.
You can also make the libraries closest to you a Favorite Library.
For that you will need to create a CSM WorldCat account.
For that, you will need to create a WorldCat Local account.
Click where it says “Add to favorites.”
A window will pop up asking you for your username and password.
Since you don’t have one yet, click where it says
“create a free account”
You’ll need to come up with a username and password,
plus you will need to provide an email address.
Read over the terms of service,
verify that you are over 13 years old,
then type in the words you see in the red and yellow box.
And finally, click on “I agree.”
Now you can sign into CSM WorldCat on any computer
using the username and password you selected.
After you sign in, your Favorite Library will now jump to the top
of any search you do.
You can also select multiple Favorite Libraries,
such as the libraries nearest your home or work.
There are also other benefits to having a WorldCat account
like being able to create lists and save searches.
And no matter what you’re searching for,
And no matter what you’re searching for, if you ever get stuck or frustrated,
go to the upper left pull-down menu and select “Ask a Librarian.”
You can contact us by phone and IM, any time while the library is open.
We’re here to help!