If your library account is current and active AND you are experiencing a technical problem logging into Udemy, please email gale.technicalsupport@cengage.com for assistance.

Jump to: Udemy in Web Browser | Udemy App | About Udemy | Help & Troubleshooting

Getting Started

You must meet the following requirements to use Udemy:

• Have a 14-digit SFPL card number and PIN/password.
• Create a Gale user account or have a Google or Microsoft email address. Please be sure at least one character has been registered in the "Last Name" field of your Google or Microsoft account to prevent errors.
• Access Udemy within California at all times.
• Device's time zone is set to Pacific Standard Time (UTC/GMT -8)
• Not using IP masking of any kind, except for VPN (virtual private network) within California at all times.

Please note if these requirements are not met, Udemy will automatically flag your account as "suspicious" and deactivate it immediately.

Please read Gale Presents Udemy's guidelines to prevent service disruption.

Using Web Browser

STEP 1: Go to Udemy, or simply click the link.

This access link also appears on the eLearning page under Online Courses. Go sfpl.org, click on the Research & Learning tab, and then on eLearning. (If you're using a mobile device, get the Udemy for Business app from your app store and follow the instructions below.) 

STEP 2: Enter your 14-digit card number and PIN/password.

If you need to reset or create your PIN, use our PIN Reset Tool.

STEP 3: Create your Udemy account or sign in by clicking on the orange button.

You will need a Google or Microsoft account to use sign into Udemy (see How does Gale/Udemy use my information?).

Using Udemy for Business App

STEP 1: Get the free Udemy for Business app from your app store.

The free Udemy for Business app is available for Android and iOS devices.

STEP 2: Enter the organization name.

When prompted for the organization name, enter gale.

STEP 3: Find Your Institution.

Select Public Library as the Institution Type and enter San Francisco Public Library in the search box, or allow Udemy to use your device's location. Tap the San Francisco Public Library link when it appears on the screen.

STEP 4: Enter your 14-digit card number and PIN/password.

If you need to reset or create your PIN, use our PIN Reset Tool.

STEP 5: Create your Udemy account or sign in by clicking on the orange button.

You will need a Google or Microsoft account to use sign into Udemy (see How does Gale/Udemy use my information?).

About Udemy

• Gale Presents Udemy is designed so library patrons can only use it if they are in the same state as their library. If Udemy detects a network connection from outside the library’s state, patrons will see a ‘Suspicious Activity Detected’ message. Make sure your computer's time zone to Pacific Standard Time (UTC/GMT -8).
• Patrons visiting Udemy from a different state, using a VPN, mobile data, or a hotspot cannot access Gale Presents: Udemy because their IP address will result in a geolocation that is too far from the library.
• Mobile data and hotspots change the geolocation because Udemy sees the connection as the last node in the cell network. This node is often in a different state than the patron.
• This geolocation check is in place to ensure that only patrons of paying institutions can access Gale Presents Udemy.

Help & Troubleshooting

When I register for an account, I get a "suspicious activity detected" message. What's wrong?

If you are accessing Udemy outside California or using a hotspot, you will not be able to use this resource. Also, users must not be on a virtual private network (VPN) or hiding their location on the web.

Where can I access Udemy's course list?

Scroll to the bottom of this page and click on Udemy Course List (PDF).

How often are courses updated?

Courses are replaced monthly with new material addressing emerging topics. Eighty-five percent of the collection has been updated in the last two years, ensuring learners are developing skills in the most relevant areas.

Does Udemy has an app?

Yes. Users can learn anywhere and anytime with the Udemy for Business app for iOS and Android, users can download courses to watch offline, listen to courses with podcast-style audio, and watch courses using Chromecast or Apple TV. When prompted for the organization name, enter gale.

How does Gale/Udemy use my information?

Your name and email address are used to create your account in Udemy. Your name is used to populate certificates of completion, and your email address will help us reach you if you need assistance.​

Gale does not store your personal information, including name and email address. Udemy stores name and email address only to provide you with service and does not share or sell this data.