How Do I? | Cobb County Public Library System

Access GALILEO databases	How Do I Access GALILEO Databases? GALILEO GALILEO stands for GeorgiA LIbrary LEarning Online, an initiative of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. A World Wide Web-based virtual library, GALILEO provides access to multiple information resources, including secured access to licensed products. Participating institutions may access over 100 databases indexing thousands of periodicals and scholarly journals. Over 2000 journal titles are provided in full-text. Other resources include encyclopedias, business directories, and government publications. Tutorial – How to Use GALILEO How to obtain the GALILEO password: Click on My Account on the homepage (in the "Collections" column), in the upper right corner of the screen type in your card number (User ID) and PIN and click on Login To CobbCat. Click on My Profile, the current GALILEO password will be in red lettering. Be sure to logout of your account when you are done accessing your account. Watch the video below to see how to get the GALILEO password.
Access my account	How Do I Access My Account? Log in to CobbCat using your card number and PIN. Select My Account and then Review My Account. You'll see a list of all the items you have checked out with the due dates, a list of any fines or other charges on your account, and a list of all items you have on hold, including where you are on the waiting list. If you need help, you can call us at 770-528-2320. When you're done, don't forget to log out of your account.
Apply for a job	How Do I Apply for a Job at the Library? Positions must be applied for online at http://hr.cobbcountyga.gov via the Cobb County Human Resources Department. For more information, please contact the Cobb County Government Human Resources Department, 100 Cherokee Street, 2nd Floor, Marietta, GA 30090-9679, (770) 528-2541 . Please contact the Library Department Representative at 770-528-2347 for more information.
Contact Customer Service	How Do I Contact Customer Service? To contact Cobb County Public Library Service Customer Service Department call 770-528-2326 Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Voicemail is available after hours and will be retrieved on the next business day.
Download audiobooks and eBooks	How Do I Download Audiobooks and eBooks? The Cobb County Public Library System has partnered with OverDrive to provide eBooks (in ePub, Kindle, and PDF formats) and audiobooks (in WMA and mp3 formats) that can be transferred to portable eReaders and media players. Search the Digital Collection You can access OverDrive either through the library catalog or from our OverDrive website, http://cobbcounty.lib.overdrive.com. To log in to the OverDrive site please enter your library card number and PIN. Don't know your library card number and PIN? Contact us for assistance » Frequently Asked Questions Are you having problems with your eBooks? Do you have questions about downloads? Would you like to see if you can return your downloads early? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page. Helpful Resources For help with getting started using the OverDrive site, please visit the Quick Start Guide » For more information on which devices are compatible with the OverDrive services, please visit http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/. Want to return your eBooks early? Training Guide Using Your iPod Windows Media Player Security Update Troubleshooting Windows Media Player Errors Quick Start Guide Compatibility Resources eBook Devices Cheat Sheet List of Compatible Devices Software Downloads Download the OverDrive Media Console Download Adobe Digital Editions Other eBook Sources In addition to the digital downloads available through our OverDrive collection, you can also search the following sites for free eBooks: eBooks on EBSCOhost: Nonfiction and fiction eBooks are available. You'll need your library card number and PIN to access this database. Project Gutenberg: A place where you can download over 33,000 free ebooks to read on your PC, iPad, Kindle, Sony Reader, iPhone, Android or other portable device. Google Books: This site has both free eBooks and eBooks for sale. ManyBooks.net: Has free eBooks for download. Internet Archive: A 501(c)(3) non-profit that was founded to build an Internet library. Its purposes include offering permanent access for researchers, historians, scholars, people with disabilities, and the general public to historical collections that exist in digital format. This image indicates that the link is a PDF and requires the use of Adobe® Reader® software. Download Adobe® Reader® »
Have an Exam Proctored	How Do I Have an Exam Proctored? Exam Proctoring Policy As part of our mission to provide services in support of research, knowledge and cultural enrichment, the Cobb County Public Library proctors exams under the following guidelines: The fee for exams is $10.00 per exam for Cobb County Public Library card holders in good standing and $25.00 for all others. Payment must be made in cash or check before the exam will be administered. The test taker must fill out the Proctoring Agreement form for each exam. • Appointments to take exams should be made at least 48 hours prior to the exam. Exams must be taken during regular library hours and must be completed 30 minutes before closing time. Unscheduled exams cannot be accommodated. It is the test taker’s responsibility to ensure that exams are received in time for the exam. Exams may be administered at any library. The test taker should contact the library directly to make arrangements. Testing accommodations may vary from library to library. It is the test taker’s responsibility to ensure that the physical facilities are adequate for their test taking requirements. Quiet study areas may not be available at all libraries. Each library will maintain a log of exams received. The log will contain test taker information, date exam received, expiration date if provided, date exam taken, date exam mailed, and proctor’s initials. Any librarian may administer the exam. The librarian who monitors the examination will be the librarian in charge, or their designee at the time the test taker takes the examination (not necessarily the librarian to whom the examination was mailed). It is the test taker’s responsibility to provide materials needed to take the exam. Picture ID is required for all exams. For print exams the exam is administered in glassed-in study rooms when available. One-on-one monitoring is not provided. The library does not guarantee that the test taker will be under observation during the test. Online exams are administered at computers in an open, public area. The Library will hold copies of finished exams, at the instructor’s request, for 30 days. Print exams will be returned by U.S. Postal Service or by fax. Exams will be handled the same as other outgoing library mail. The library cannot arrange for UPS or FedEx pickup. The Library is not responsible for providing postage. If the institution does not provide postage or envelopes, it is the test taker’s responsibility to provide stamps or envelopes. The library cannot assume responsibility for completed exams not received by the institution. Exams not taken by the expiration date will be returned, if postage is provided, or shredded. Approved by the Library Board of Trustees October 24, 2011
Get a Library Card	How Do I Get a Library Card? *Dream, Dare, Discover: Cobb County Public Library Cards link you to knowledge, fun, and excitement!* .For a downloadable application form, please click here. » Your library card provides access to books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs and remote access to full-text articles from hundreds of magazines, newspapers and journals; business resources; unique local history resources and so much more. A Cobb County Public Library (CCPLS) card may be obtained by visiting any of our library locations. Cobb County Public Library cards are free to all Cobb County residents as well as people who own property or businesses within Cobb County. CCPLS also issues library cards to schools (principals) and businesses (owners) in Cobb County, and current Cobb County employees. Only one card will be issued to the school or business. The person applying for the library card is responsible for all items checked out on the card. A Cobb County library card allows patrons to borrow library materials, use the library’s public access computers, request materials through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service, and other Cobb County Public Library System services. A valid library card must be used to borrow library materials. If the patron has forgotten the card, photo identification or acceptable identification must be presented. Minor’s Cards A child who is 16 years of age and under must have a parent or guardian present to provide current identification and to sign the library card application. The parent or legal guardian is responsible for all lost and damaged items and fines and fees on the child’s library card. The parent or legal guardian must authorize access to the Internet for any child less than 17 years of age. A juvenile card is issued to a child from birth to 12; a young adult card is issued to a teen from 13- 16 years of age. Federal law requires this authorization; it must be given in person with the child’s registration being signed by the parent or legal guardian Temporary Cards Temporary cards can be issued to adults 17 years old or older residing at a temporary residence within Cobb County. The adult must present acceptable identification and proof of temporary residency. The proof of temporary residency may be a piece of mail addressed to the residency and postmarked within the past ten days or a letter from a service agency agreeing to accept the patron’s mail. The temporary card is valid for three (3) months from date of issue. Interlibrary loan service is not available to temporary card holders. A total of two (2) items may be check out on the card at any time. The card is neither transferable nor renewable. A parent or legal guardian may register a child for a temporary card. The parent or guardian’s library card must be in good standing without any outstanding fines or fees above $10.00. The parent or guardian is responsible for all fines and fees and lost or damaged materials charged on the card. The parent or legal guardian must authorize access to the Internet for any child under 17 years of age. Federal law requires this authorization; it must be given in person with the child’s registration being signed by the parent or legal guardian. ADA/Homebound Cards A patron who is unable to visit a library in Cobb County Public Library System because of age, illness, or disability may register for an ADA/Homebound library card. The person facilitating the registration should provide proof of identity for the homebound person. Authorization should be given to persons to check out or pick up library materials on behalf of the cardholder. School Cards A school card can be issued to local Cobb County and Marietta schools. In order to obtain a school card, the principal of the school must submit a statement of responsibility for fines and fees associated with the card on school’s letterhead with signature. All library circulation policies apply to the school card. Business Cards A business card can be issued to local businesses, private day care centers, and other organizations and agencies located in Cobb County. In order to obtain a business card, the CEO or business officer must submit a statement of responsibility for fines and fees associated with the card on the business’s letterhead with signature. All library circulation policies apply to the business card. Cobb County Employees Current Cobb County Government employees can obtain a library card with acceptable identification. A non-resident employee is one who works for Cobb County but lives outside of the County. CCPLS employee cards are not limited to library employees. All library circulation policies apply. Acceptable Forms of Identification The following are acceptable as proof of residency, provided the item shows current street address (post office box is not accepted as proof of residency): Current Georgia driver’s license, permit, or identification card or Picture ID and one of the following: • Current utility bill • Bank statement issued within the last 30 days or personalized checks • Mortgage contracts, mortgage statement or payment coupon, deed, or property tax bill for current or preceding year • Rental/lease agreement or receipt within the last 30 days • Paycheck or paycheck stub issued within the past 30 days • School record or transcript for current or preceding calendar year • Current voter registration card At the time of application, patrons will be asked to provide a personal identification number (PIN) to assign to their library card for access to their library account. Patrons completing a library card application will also be provided the opportunity to register to vote. Library card applications are available at the public service desk in the library. However, a library card application may be downloaded from www.cobbcat.org and completed prior to visiting one of the CCPLS libraries. The completed application and an acceptable form of identification must be presented at the public service desk in order to complete the application process and to receive a library card and PIN (personal identification number). Renewal of Library Card Library cards are renewed every two (2) years. To renew an existing card, patron must provide proof of current address and card must be in good standing. Library accounts with balances due must be paid in full before cards are eligible for renewal. Non-County Residents Non-county residents can obtain a library card by completing an application, providing acceptable identification, and $25.00 per person per year at any Cobb library. Lost or Stolen Library Cards Lost or stolen library cards must be reported immediately in person, by telephone, or by email to prevent unauthorized use or access. Patrons are responsible for all use of their library cards and all items checked out on their cards. Replacement Library Cards A replacement library card can be issued with appropriate identification. A replacement fee is charged for lost, stolen or damaged library card. Change of Contact Information It is the responsibility of the patron to inform the library of any change in mailing address, telephone number, or email address. Please contact us at 770-528-2320 if you have any further questions about obtaining or renewing your library card.
Log out of my account	How Do I Log Out of My Account? For your privacy, don't forget to log out of your account. It's easy to do: just click the "Logout" link on the top of your screen. Watch this video for help:
Make donations	How Do I Make a Donation? Memorial and Honoring Donations To Our Collection: The best way to make this type of donation is with a check. Library staff will assist in the selection and ordering of materials. A dedication plate is attached to the item(s). Materials donated in this way must meet library selection guidelines. Individual donations may be made at any branch library. For large donations arrangements may be made through the Administrative Office, Cobb County Public Library, 266 Roswell Street, Marietta, GA 30060 Book Donations: Cobb County Public Library is pleased to accept all donations of books and other materials. To donate books and other items, you may drop them off at any branch during regular library hours. Donations at the Central Library should be taken to the loading dock in the rear of the library, Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. After 4:00 you may drop your donations off at the main entrance of the Central Library. You will receive a receipt for the number and type of items that you donate (you will need to provide a count of items). You can get a tax deduction for your donation; however, determining the amount you can deduct is your responsibility. All donations become the property of the Library and it is up to the discretion of the Library which items will be put into circulation. Donated materials not appropriate for the collection may be placed in the semi-annual Friends of the Library book sale. Proceeds are used to buy new materials for all Cobb County libraries. Cobb County Public Library gratefully accepts library related materials. If you have a large number of books you would like to donate, please call in advance (770-528-2364) to see if we can handle the donation on any particular day. All donations must be packed in boxes. We can not accept donations that are not in boxes and we are not able to exchange boxes. Thank you for supporting the Cobb County Public Library System.
Pay fines	How Do I Pay My Library Fine? Fines may be paid in person at any of our 16 library locations. Acceptable forms of payment are check or cash. The Cobb County Public Library System reserves the right to replace their own materials through their own contracted vendors. Personal copies brought in by patrons will not be accepted as replacement(s) for lost and/or damaged materials.
Place a hold	How Do I Place a Hold? To place a reserve (hold) on an item, first locate it in our catalog. Check the item record carefully to ensure that you are choosing the desired format or edition. The catalog may contain multiple entries for the same title, with some representing large print books, audio books on cassette and CD, and even electronic books. Once you have identified the desired title and format, click on DETAILS. Click on the red PLACE RESERVE link on the left side of the page. You must log in now with your account number and PIN if you have not done so at the beginning of the search session. Be sure to choose the library location for pick up. The system will tell you if your “hold” has been successfully placed. Reserves may not be placed on items that do not check out, such as electronic books, databases or other non-deliverable items. To review your holds, log in to COBBCAT and click on My Account in the green banner at the top of the page. Click on "Review My Account" to see the items you have on reserve. You may cancel these holds at any time by clicking in the box next to the title(s) and clicking on Cancel Selected Holds. If you wish to change the pick-up library, please call any of our libraries and ask for staff assistance. You will be notified by telephone or email when the item is available for pick-up. Expect to wait at least 3-5 days, depending on availability and other factors, for items to be pulled and set aside in your name. If you need to pick up materials within 24-48 hours of placing the reserve, please call libraries showing available copies and arrange for the item(s) to be located and set aside for you. Materials will be held for three days from the date they are set aside for you. If you need additional time to pick up the material, please contact library staff. Library policy requires that you either pick up the material in person or arrange with library staff ahead of time to have the material picked up by someone else. If the item you want is not in Cobbcat, please contact a library staff member for possible options. A list of helpful phone numbers can be found on our Library Locations page.
Renew materials	How Do I Renew My Materials? All items can be renewed twice beyond the initial check out period except when: "Your account is blocked or; Someone else has requested the item". Online Renewals: To renew items online, select My Account. Login using your card number and PIN. If you enter your card number and PIN when you first logon to Cobbcat, you do not have to keep entering it for each transaction. Select My Account and then Renew My Materials. Just put a check in the box next to each item you want to renew. If you want to renew everything, check "Select All". You can also renew from Review My Account by selecting “Click here to Renew titles.” Telephone Renewals: To renew items by phone and to access information about your account 24 hours a day, please call the Library System's automated telephone number at 770-218-3648. You will need to have your library card number and PIN. When the library is open you can also call the Central Library at 770-528-2320 or your local branch.
Request Interlibrary Loan	How Do I Request InterLibrary Loan Materials? We may be able to locate books or periodicals not available in the Cobb County System from other libraries. We will request a maximum of 5 periodical articles or 5 books at any time for a registered library member. We attempt to borrow from lenders who provide materials without charge. In some cases, fees are charged by the lending library. Visit our Interlibrary Loan page for more information and to place your Interlibrary Loan online. Please call (770) 528-2339 for assistance.
Request new material	How Do I Request New Material? If there's an item that you'd like for the Cobb County Public Library System to consider purchasing, you can submit a purchase request online. It's simple: login to your account using your library card number and PIN; click the "Request New Material" link, and then fill out the form with all of the pertinent information. The library system cannot guarantee that we will be able to purchase the item that you have requested, but we appreciate every request. Here's a short video to walk you through the process. If you have any questions, please call (770) 528-2320 during regular library hours for assistance. If you need your library card number and PIN, please call our Customer Service Department during regular business hours at (770) 528-2326.
Reserve a meeting room	How Do I Reserve a Meeting Room? Meeting rooms for nonprofit organizations are available at the Central Library; Mountain View, South Cobb, and West Cobb Regional Libraries; East Cobb, East Marietta, Gritters, Kemp, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Stratton, and Vinings Branches. A Multipurpose Room Application must be completed. The branch manager of your desired location and administrative staff must both approve the application. By signing the Meeting Room Application, the applicant is agreeing to abide by the Cobb County Public Library Multipurpose Room Use Policy. For more information, please visit our Meeting Room page.
Search the catalog	How Do I Search the Catalog? To begin a search, type a term in the search box under Quick Search and select: Words or Phrase, Author, Title, Subject, Series, Periodicals Title Select all branches, a region, or a particular branch. Your result may be a single item record or a list of item records. The record provides the call number for finding the item on the shelf and a description of the item.
Update my information	How Do I Update My Information? Bring your library card and another form of ID next time you visit the Library or call our Customer Service Department at 770-528-2326. Staff will be happy to update your personal information.
Use Wifi	How Do I Use Wifi? The Cobb County Public Library wireless Internet network provides free Internet access to patrons who bring their wireless-enabled laptop computers to any Cobb County Public Library. Who can use it? Anyone with a Cobb County library card and PIN. Visitors can apply for a 30-day guest pass. Guest passes are only available to adults. Patrons under 17 will be able to use the wireless network if they have a library card with a parent’s written permission for library Internet use. Limitations? • Sound – Anything on your computer that makes a sound must be turned off or muted with headphones, etc. • Filtering – By law, all computers in the public library must be filtered. If you think the filter is limiting your access to an essential website, ask a staff member for assistance. • Bandwidth – In order to provide access for the maximum number of users, there is a limit to the bandwidth available to each user. This should not interfere with most computer usage. How do I use it? 1. Turn on your wireless-enabled computer and open your browser. There are some settings unique to your computer that you will have to select. You may even get an error message before these settings are adjusted. Because all laptops are different, Library staff will not be able to help you with this step. 2. Say “yes” to the security alert. 3. When you get the login page, enter your library card number and PIN [If you’re not a Cobb County resident, go to a service desk, show your identification and get a free, 30-day, renewable guest pass.] By logging on, you will be agreeing to the Cobb County Public Library Internet Use Policy which will be displayed on the screen.
Volunteer	How Do I Volunteer? Please visit Volunteer Jobs for more information.