FAQs
Q. Where can I find SI databases, logins and passwords?
A. Here is the list of SI's databases. Click HERE to login for passwords if you are working off campus
Q. Help! I can't find my SFPL Library Card number and PIN.
A. Try searching your SI email inbox for an email sent on July 31, 2024, Subject Line: Welcome to San Francisco Public Library!
San Francisco Public Library sends SI community members an email containing their SFPL barcode and PIN at the start of each new school year. If you can't find it, contact the SI librarians to request a resend.
Q. Can the library get me access to an article behind a paywall?
A. The answer is very likely Yes. Library Faculty have many avenues to find articles, even those behind pay walls, and often with a very quick turn around time. Contact us with your article request via live chat during library open hours or email (si_librarians@siprep.org) anytime.
Q. Does the library have ebooks and e-audiobooks? If so, how can I check one out?
A. Yes! We subscribe to a digital collection shared with other Bay Area Independent School libraries. To begin reading or listening right away, click here and sign in with your SI username and password.
You can also choose from thousands of ebooks/e-audiobooks (and music, movies & more) with your SFPL library card and PIN. (see above where to find your card # & PIN)
Q. How do I request a specific book?
A. We love getting the right book into the right hands! Contact us with your book request via live chat during library open hours or email (si_librarians@siprep.org) anytime.
Q. Does the library have digital access to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal*, Washington Post?
A. You can access the The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal (you must follow this link) freely whenever you are on campus. To access them from home, you will have to use your SFPL card.
To acess The New York Times from off campus use the directions here.
Full text, searchable articles from the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal are also available via the San Francisco Public Library.
To access:
1. Scroll through this page.
2. Click on the newspaper of your choice.
3. Login with your SFPL barcode and PIN (see above for where to find this info).
Q. Can someone help me with my research?
A. Absolutely! Contact us with your research help request via live chat during library open hours or email (si_librarians@siprep.org) anytime. Library Faculty can help you develop a thoughtful research question, find relevant and trusted sources of information, and much, much more.
Q. Can the library faculty recommend a good book for me to read?
A. Absolutely! In fact, we have a fun program called Book Fix dedicated to handpicking books for you based on your personal book style. But, if your looking for a simple book suggestion, you can always contact us with the type of book you're in the mood for via live chat during library open hours or email (si_librarians@siprep.org) anytime.
Q. Where can I find the Library's screencasts?
A. The Library's Youtube Channel. You can subscribe to be notified whenever a new screencast is added.
Q. How do I create an MLA formatted citation and Works Cited page?
A. Check out this page dedicated to citing sources.