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eLibrary Help


FAQs

How do I access the eResources?

You need to be a member to use most of the eResources.

Some eResources require:

  • your library card number and your PIN/password (e.g. Recreational Reading)
  • only your library card number (e.g. databases). 
  • your library card number and to create a separate free account with the eResource (e.g. Story Box and Pressreader, also recommended for the Learning English products). 
  • a Library internet connection (either a Library PC or your device connected to Library Wi-Fi) - only accessible on-site (e.g. family history and Sydney Morning Herald).

Some eResources are available on Library computers without a library membership:

  • Britannica Online
  • Gale databases
  • Sydney Morning Herald Library Edition and Archives
  • PressReader
  • Ancestry Library Edition and Find My Past
What's the difference between my library PIN and password?

It’s the same thing! Some of our eResources call it a PIN and some call it a password. It's the same password you use for your library membership.

If you can’t remember your library password, you can reset it here if you added your email to your account. If not, one of our library staff can help you.

Which eResources have free apps? Can I use the eResources if I have overdue items or fines?

Some of the eResources do block access when you have issues with your account. Once you fix up the issues (e.g. return late items), you will have full access again.

Who can I ask if I need extra help with eResources?

Most of the library staff can help with most things. 

If you need to sit down with someone, you can  email the library to make an appointment with our Digital Resources Librarian. 

We also have a new program called Tech Chat which will cover specific topics.

What if I've forgotten my password?

If you have an email address attached to your library account, click the Login link located in the top-right corner of the library website and then click Forgot your password? You will then need to enter your Borrower ID and surname. You will receive an email with further instructions.


FAQs

What is the best way to search for eBooks and eAudiobooks?

There are three platforms with eBooks and eAudiobooks: BorrowBox, indyreads and Libby. If you're looking for a specific title or author, you can search the library catalogue, and filter by format (eBook or eAudiobook - not to be confused with the Audiobook filter). Then work out which app the title is in and go there to borrow and read.
Or you can download each and browse them separately.

How many eBooks/eAudiobooks can I borrow at once?

Each platform has different limits, and some count loans and reserves together.

BorrowBox:  

  • 6 eBooks and 6 eAudiobooks
  • Loans and reserves are counted together

Libby/Overdrive

  • 10 eBooks and eAudiobooks
  • Loans and reserves are counted together

indyreads

  • 20 eBooks and eAudiobooks
  • Unlimited reserves
How long can I borrow eBooks/eAudio?

3 weeks/21 days – the same as the physical collection.

Can I use a Kindle eReader to read library eBooks?

No, unfortunately Kindles aren't compatible with library eBooks. 

You can use Kobo with Library eBooks, though. 

  • Use the OverDrive app in the Kobo to borrow directly from Libby. We recommend using the Libby app/browser to search and borrow, and then simply sync your Kobo – the eBooks will appear on your shelf.
  • For indyreads and BorrowBox, you can transfer the eBooks to Kobo using a computer, USB cord and Adobe Digital Editions.

Can I read/listen offline on my device?

Yes, just download the title onto your device (best to do this when connected to Wi-Fi).

Tip: sometimes when your Wi-Fi is still on but not connected to the internet, the app will try to update and not let you read offline. Just switch your Wi-Fi off so it knows you’re offline.

What's the difference between the three eReading platforms?

They all have a wide range fiction and non-fiction, and titles for kids, youth and adults of all tastes. BorrowBox and Libby will have more new releases and best sellers. indyreads tends to have more Australian and international independent publishers and authors, as well as more classics, literary winners, and First Nations authors.

Can I recommend purchases of eBooks/eAudio?

Yes! Login to the library catalogue and fill in the Suggest a Purchase form. Make you add a note for your eBook/eAudio preference.

Do my loans get automatically renewed like the physical collection?

Digital loans don't automatically renew; however, you can extend your loan within three days of the due date if there are no reserves on the item.

What if I don’t return my eBook/eAudiobook by the due date?

Don’t worry – the app will do it for you. If you do finish early, though, you can return your book early, in case anyone is waiting for it.

Why do I have to reserve and wait for eBooks/eAudio? Can’t you just make more copies of the digital files?

Publishers sell licenses of eBooks/eAudio, so however many licenses we purchase is how many “copies” we have. They are also more expensive for libraries to purchase than for individuals, so we can’t always get lots of copies to meet demand.


You will need your Georges River Libraries’ Library Card Number (Borrower ID) and PIN (Password). The first time you sign in to BorrowBox you can also add an email address to get email notifications.

FAQs

Should I use the BorrowBox website or the app?

If you are using a desktop computer, laptop, or eReader, go to the BorrowBox website to access and download items. If you are using a tablet or smartphone, download the BorrowBox app from either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

Does the BorrowBox website and app sync?

Yes, the website and app sync, so any items on loan will be available in “My Loans” across both platforms.

How many loans and reserves can I have on BorrowBox?

Library members are able to have a total of 6 eBooks and 6 eAudiobooks on loan (including reserves) on BorrowBox.

Can I return an eBook or eAudiobook early?

Yes, early returns and cancellation of current reserves are possible through your My Account page or in the mobile apps. If you have opened an eBook in Adobe Digital Editions you will need to return it from there by right clicking on the eBook and selecting “Return Borrowed Item”.

Can I switch between my different library accounts?

Yes, you will need to log out of one library account and then log in to your Georges River Libraries account. To log out of a library account on the BorrowBox app, click the person icon in the top-right corner of the screen, click “Account Details”, and scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Reset”. Note: when you click “Reset” all downloads in the app will be deleted, but your loans and holds stay on that account.

How-To Guides


Logging in to indyreads?

Select Georges River Libraries from the drop down menu. Enter your library card number (Borrower ID) and library PIN/Password. Note: You do need to have a full membership to use indyreads; please visit your nearest branch to verify your details.

FAQs

What is the loan period and the total number of items I can borrow?

The item loan period is 21 days. Items can be renewed if there are no reservations. Items can also be returned early via the app. The maximum number of items per library member is 20.

Can I reserve books in indyreads?

Yes, you can reserve a title which is out on loan. There are no limits on the number of reservations.

How-To Guides


 

FAQs

Should I use the OverDrive website or the Libby app?

If you are using a desktop computer, laptop, or eReader, go to the OverDrive website to access and download items. If you are using a tablet or smartphone, download the Libby app from either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

Do the OverDrive website and the Libby app sync?

Yes, the OverDrive website and the Libby app sync, so any items on loan will be available in your “Shelf” across both platforms.

What information do I need to access OverDrive and the Libby app?

You will need your Georges River Libraries’ Library Card Number (Borrower ID) and Pin (Password). If you use the Libby app, you will also be asked to select a library; make sure to select “Georges River Libraries”.

How many eBook/eAudiobook loans and reserves can I have?

Library members are able to check out a total of 10 eBook or eAudiobook titles on OverDrive (Libby app), including reserves.

How many digital magazines can I check out?

Library members can check out an unlimited number of digital magazines. Members can renew digital magazines within 3 days of the end of the lending period and can re-borrow at any time.

Do my loans get automatically renewed like the physical collection?

Loans don't automatically renew in OverDrive (Libby app); however, you will get a prompt to extend your loan.

How-To Guides


Access

Go to Britannica and type in your library card number.

FAQs

Does Britannica Online have an app?

No, but it adjusts to any screen size.

Do I need to create an account?

You don't need to. But if you would like to save your research and articles for later, you can create a free account.

How-To Guides


Access

Click on one of the Learning English products and type in your library card number. You can use them as a casual user, but we recommend creating an account so you can track your progress through the courses. You can use the same account for all of the Learning English products.

How-To Guides


Ancestry Library Edition can only be accessed on library PCs.

Bring a USB with you to save any research you’d like to keep.

Find My Past can only be accessed on library PCs.

Bring a USB with you to save any research you’d like to keep.

FAQs

Can someone help me with my family history?

You can book a time with someone from our Research and Community History Team. Find out more here or submit an enquiry.

Can I access the family history databases at home?

No, the agreements we have with Find My Past and Ancestry only allow on-site access.

How-To Guides

Ancestry guides Find My Past guides Family history tips

Log in from home with just your library card number.

FAQs

What information do I need to access the Gale databases?

You will need your Georges River Libraries’ Library Card Number (Borrower ID).

How to I search across multiple Gale databases?

To search across all of our Gale OneFile and Gale in Context databases, use Gale Power Search.

Can I use Interactive Science on my phone?

Interactive Science needs a larger screen and only works on desktop.

How do I find Choice magazine online?

Find it with the Publication search in Gale Australia and New Zealand. See the guide below for step-by-step instructions.

How-To Guides


What is Kanopy?

Kanopy is a free streaming service with movies, TV series and documentaries, plus courses from The Great Courses. Kanopy has a focus on thoughtful entertainment and lifelong learning.

How do I access Kanopy with my library membership?

You can use Kanopy on your computer with an internet browser, or download the app for Apple or Android, or on your smart TV. Use your library card number and PIN/password to create a free Kanopy account.

To use the app:

  1. Download the Kanopy app
  2. Tap Get Started
  3. Tap Find Library
  4. Find us on the map (if you're in the area), or search "Georges River Libraries"
  5. Tap Select This Library
  6. Enter your library card number and Library PIN/password. Tap Next (Forgot it? Reset it here)
  7. Create your Kanopy account with your email and a unique password, or link your Google or Apple account

To use the browser:

  1. Go to Kanopy
  2. Click Add a Library Card (If you have already signed up with Kanopy through another library, click Log in and enter your details. It will prompt you to enter your Georges River Libraries membership details here)
  3. Enter your library card number and PIN/password
  4. Create your Kanopy account with your email and a unique password, or link your Google or Apple account
Once you have signed up with your library card, you can sign in with your unique Kanopy login in the future.

 

FAQs

How does the ticket system work?

Each month, you will have 30 tickets to watch films on Kanopy. They reset each month (but they don't rollover). Each film or series will "cost" a certain number of tickets depending on how long they are. When you run out of tickets, you won't be able to watch anything else until next month. Kanopy Kids doesn't use up any tickets.

Why won't Kanopy accept my library membership details?

Check your account to see if you have any overdue items or fines over $10. Once these have been sorted out, you should get access.

What if I have other questions?

You can check out Kanopy's help page for answers to all your questions. Or email the library Attn: Digital Resources Librarian.

How-To Guides


Access

Go to LinkedIn Learning and type in your library card number and PIN/password.
If you are using the app, choose Georges River Libraries from the list. Our Library ID is georgesriverlib.

FAQs

I can't seem to log in, it keeps taking me around in circles - how can I log in?

Sometimes this happens when you are logged into your device with your LinkedIn (the professional social platform) profile. You may need to log out of LinkedIn and the try logging into to LinkedIn Learning again. The other option is to open LinkedIn Learning in an "incognito" browser.

I had to get a new library membership number and now my history and certificates are gone. Can I get them back?

Unfortunately, LinkedIn Learning doesn't recognise when library memberships update their membership numbers; it treats it like a new account. It is best to always download certificates as soon as you finish a course.

How-To Guides


Access

Go to LOTE4Kids and type in your library card number. If you are using the app, choose Georges River Libraries from the list.

FAQs

My native language is not on there. Can I request that it be added?

Yes, you can. Just email the library with your request and we will follow up for you.

How-To Guides


Access

The first time you sign in to PressReader you will need to choose “Library or Group”, select “Georges River Libraries”, and then you will be asked for your Library Card Number (Borrower ID) and PIN (Password). You will then need to create a PressReader account by entering your email address, a password, and your name. From then on, you will just need to enter your email address and password.

FAQs

Does the PressReader website and app sync?

Yes, the PressReader website and app sync, so any items in “My Publications” and “Recently Read” will be available across both platforms.

How do I reset my PressReader password?

If you forget your PressReader password, click “Forget Password” on the PressReader sign in page (as it is separate to your Georges River Libraries account).

How-To Guides


Access

You will need your Georges River Library Card Number (Borrower ID).
The first time you use StoryBox, you will need to create an account with your email address, name, and a password (at least 8 digits long).
(This is different to your Library PIN/password).

Every other time, you just need your Library card number and the StoryBox password you created.

Using the app
Select "Georges River Council" from the menu, enter your library card number, and your StoryBox password.

FAQs

What if I forget my StoryBox password?

You can reset your StoryBox password. Click “Forgot your password?” on the StoryBox sign in page and you will receive an email with a reset link. (Rememer, it's different to your Library card PIN/password).

I am a teacher. Can I use my Georges River Library membership to show StoryBox to my students?

No, you can't; it's only for personal/family use. Your school would need to subscribe to StoryBox.

How-To Guides

 

Sydney Morning Herald Library Edition can be accessed on Library PCs, your own device connected to Library Wi-Fi, and at home when you login to the library catalogue with your library membership.

Click on on the link, then click "Access Archives". If you are using your phone, tap the person icon to find the "Access Archives" button.

Sydney Morning Herald Archives can be accessed on Library PCs, your own device connected to Library Wi-Fi, and at home when you login to the library catalogue with your library membership.

Click on on the link, then click "Access Archives". If you are using your phone, tap the hamburger menu (three lines) to find the "Access Archives" button.

FAQs

Can I access Sydney Morning Herald online at home?

Yes. You need to be a member and log in to the library catalogue. Search for "Sydney Morning Herald" in the catalogue, or click on the links above or in the Recreational eResources page.

Can I save and print articles from Sydney Morning Herald?

You can, if it is for personal or educational purposes.

Need further assistance?

Send an email to library@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au and make sure to include your full name, Borrower ID (Library Card Number), and the best phone number we can contact you on if needed.