Your Library @ Home

Can you give me a list of everything I’ve checked out in the past?
What databases do you have?
Can I access your databases from home?
Why should I use your databases instead of Google?
Can I request books and other items from home?
Can I view the catalog from home?
Can I find out what my child has on his card from home?

Can you give me a list of everything I’ve checked out in the past?

No. Due to privacy issues, once you return an item back to the library there is no longer any way to determine what you’ve checked out in the past. However, there is a feature on your account that YOU can activate called “Reading History.” This feature will keep a list of any items checked out on your card. You can also edit the list or turn it off at any time.

What databases do you have?

The list is long and does change from time to time. The best way to determine our databases is to look here.

Can I access your databases from home?

Yes. All of our data bases are accessible from home if you have a valid library card. Some data bases are purchased with local funds and are therefore only available to patrons of the owning library. If you have any trouble accessing any data bases, give us a call and we’ll do our best to figure out what’s gone wrong.

Why should I use your databases instead of Google?

Google, as well as any other search engine, executes a search of anything that’s been posted to the Web. Although sorted for relevance, there’s no vetting for accuracy. The academic databases that the library subscribes to are checked for accuracy and in that regard are no different from opening a print newspaper, magazine or encyclopedia. The non-academic databases have additional information that you might not find in a Google search. And finally, all of the data bases have proprietary information that aren’t available on the web and therefore, won’t be found by Google.

Can I request books and other items from home?

Yes. Just log onto your account (easy to do from the top of the Library’s web page) and you can place up to 50 holds. You choose which library you want to pick up from – and it doesn’t have to be your home library. But remember, if you have fines in excess of $10, you won’t be able to place any holds.

Can I view the catalog from home?

Yes. You can view the catalog, as well as all of the databases that East Fishkill Community Library subscribes to, from any Internet computer anywhere.

Can I find out what my child has on his card from home?

If you have the library card and PIN number, you can access any card in your family.