Feb 05 2009
Free virtual library card gives you access to lots of online goodies
The San Francisco Public Library recently introduced what they’re calling a virtual eCard. It’s available to all Californians, not just San Franciscans, and you don’t even have to leave your chair to get it — you can apply online.
It gives you access to all of the library’s online resources.
What you get:
Research resources, including magazine and newspaper article databases, the full versions of the Encyclopaedia Britannica and the OED, and much more.
Streaming music: 14,000 tracks of contemporary world music, 16,000 tracks of African-American music, 18,000 tracks of music from America’s past (including folk, blues, ragtime, rock, and a lot more), over 50,000 tracks of classical music with accompanying research material, and a large music collection from the Smithsonian. I just started browsing through this material, and it’s amazing.
Downloadable audio books and ebooks, including over 1,000 Safari techbooks for programmers and IT professionals.
Podcasts of author readings held at the library.
Live homework help for kids.
Rosetta Stone interactive language-learning program.
How to apply:
Fill out a short eCard application form for immediate access.
Limitations:
You must be a California resident.
The eCards are only for remote access of the library’s electronic resources. If you want to physically borrow something from a branch, you’ll need to upgrade to a regular card.
The eCards expire after four years and are not renewable.
(If you already have an SF library card, you don’t need to get an eCard. Your regular card already gives you access to all the online resources.)
More information
Online registration and eCards
Illustration of notes (c) Andrzej Gdula
