Online Resources FAQs

  • General Questions

    The Enki Library is a shared, open-source eBook network. It allows California libraries to own and store eBooks. Enki lets libraries share access to unique local digitized content.

    The databases are electronic resources on many topics including art, biography, business, current affairs, education, health, history, literature, science, and technology. Magazine and newspaper articles, encyclopedias, and quick reference sources, biographies, college catalogs, governmental statistics and electronic books are all available. The databases are paid for, or hosted by, the Oakland Public Library for use by its patrons. Oakland Public Library cardholders can access many of the databases remotely from their home or office computers 24 hours a day. Anyone can search the databases at any Oakland Public Library location.

    You SHOULD NOT pay fines on your lost interlibrary loan (ILL) or Link+ items. You should always call our ILL/Link+ office at (510) 238-2124 on charges on interlibrary loan or Link+ items. All other library fines and fees listed in your library account can be paid online.

    If you're looking for current, reliable information from a wide variety of resources, including research in specialized subject areas, then try using the Library's databases. The information in the databases is more reliable than much of the information that is available from searching the Internet with a search engine. Many of the databases are available 24 hours a day from any computer anywhere to Oakland Public Library Cardholders.

    You must have a valid Oakland Public Library Card to access the databases remotely from your home or office computer. Get a library card here. The Oakland Public Library databases can be found by following the steps below:  
    From the Oakland Public Library Home Page  
    Go to Read, Listen, Watch and then select All Online Resources under ELibrary.
    Choose the online resource you would like to use. 
     
     
    After you select a database, you will be asked to type in your Library Card Number (the 14 digit number located under the barcode on the back of your library card, without the spaces) into the box. To search another database, you may use the browser back button to return to the database page.
     

    All residents of California can have a library card.
     
    Library cards are free.
     
    Apply online or at any OPL location.
     

    Some databases are more compatible with Internet Explorer than with Firefox, Chrome, or other browsers. Download and install the latest non-Beta version of your browser for greatest compatibility. Browsers should have cookies, Java, JavaScript, and frames enabled and caching turned on for optimal use of the databases. Check the individual database's help screen for other requirements.

    I enter my library card, but still can't get in. If you have a different phone number than our records show, you will not be allowed into the databases. Please make sure you inform the library when your address or phone number changes. Occasionally the database providers have technical problems. Try to access the database again later. Email us at eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org if you are still having issues.

    For more information about our website and databases, please review the Website Disclaimer.
     
    Some databases and e-content on our website need you to enter the barcode number from your Oakland Public Library card. We also use third-party services for eBook Help Reservations with SetMore and Online Summer Reading. None of these vendors have access to our records.
     

     
    Some database publishers do not permit remote access to their databases. In some cases, the Library is not able to buy remote access due to budget constraints. Whenever possible, the Library offers remote access. 

    The databases are on the Internet. Click on the links to retrieve information. The periodical databases often have a link to "text" or "full text." Click on the link to retrieve the full text of the article. All databases have a help function. Look for a help button on most of the databases for tips on using the electronic resources.

    When you find a document that you want to incorporate into a research paper or thesis, you may want its bibliographic information for the bibliography section of your paper. Complete citation information can be obtained from the document's entry in the database result list. Some databases provide a sample citation format. See this site from Duke University for examples of formats from any of four style manuals: APA, Chicago, MLA, and Turabian. 

    Yes. Many of the databases have an e-mail button so you can send articles to yourself or a friend.

    Yes, you can print from most databases.

    If you are only able to get a citation or abstract, print it or write it down so you can look for the journal issue you need at the Library.
     
    Check the Library Catalog to see if the Library owns the journal.
     
    If the Library does not own it, call the Magazine and Newspaper Department at (510) 238-3176 for suggestions on where else to look.

  • Libby app / Overdrive (website/legacy app)

    Your checkout limit for OverDrive is 20 items.

    You have the option of checking out e-Books and Audiobooks for either 7, 14, or 21 days. You can set up the default checkout time in the Account > Settings page.  

    Download attempts are limited by media type. You have 30 tries to download EPUD or PDF files, but only 3 tries to download Audiobook files.
     
    If you're streaming your items on the Libby app or in a web browser, you don't need to worry about this!

    Yes, you can have up to 12 holds on your account at a time.

    Yes, you can return items early. Find the title in the app under Loans and click Return.

    If your library card is expired, you will not be able to access the OverDrive site. Your card expires every three years, and you can renew it by calling or visiting any of the Oakland Public Library locations.

    If you replace a lost library card, your OverDrive activity will automatically carry over to your new card.

     
    Try the OverDrive help page, opens a new window or e-mail us at eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org .
     
    Include as much of the following information as you can:
     
    • Your library card number 
    • Title you're trying to use
    • What happened?
    • What error messages did you get? 
    • What software you are using?
    • What Operating System you are using? (Mac, Windows 7, iOS v4.2, etc)
    • What kind of device you are using? (iPhone, Android, etc.)

  • Audiobooks

    No - titles in hoopla are always available! You will never need to place a hold, and there are no waiting lists. All content is always available to stream or download.

    You can borrow up to 8 total titles a month, including all formats. For example, you could borrow 5 graphic novels and 3 audiobooks; 2 movies and 6 ebooks; etc.

  • eBooks

    No - titles in hoopla are always available! You will never need to place a hold, and there are no waiting lists. All content is always available to stream or download.

    You can borrow up to 8 total titles a month, including all formats. For example, you could borrow 5 graphic novels and 3 audiobooks; 2 movies and 6 ebooks; etc.

    We offer eBook help by phone, Monday-Fridays, 10am-3pm. To schedule an appointment, please visit our online scheduler, opens a new window (requires an email address) or call (510) 238-3134.

  • hoopla

    No - titles in hoopla are always available! You will never need to place a hold, and there are no waiting lists. All content is always available to stream or download.

    You can borrow up to 8 total titles a month, including all formats. For example, you could borrow 5 graphic novels and 3 audiobooks; 2 movies and 6 ebooks; etc.