Circulation FAQs

Account Access Online

How do I access my account online?
What is my user ID?
How can I place a hold on a book or renew my books?

Account Problems

What if I returned a book but it is still listed on my account?
What happens if my account goes into delinquency?

Returns, Renewals, and Fines

Can I return books when The Library is closed?
What happens if my books are overdue?
How can I renew my books?
Can I renew overdue books?
How can I pay fines?
What happens if I lose a book?
What happens if I damage a book?

Recalls/Holds

How can I get a book that someone else has checked out?
Can someone else get a book that I have checked out?
What if a book is not on the shelf?

If you still have questions,  please contact the circulation desk at (212) 678-8082 or email.
 

Account Access Online

How do I access my account online?

You may access your account by clicking ALEPH.

What is my user ID?

Your user ID is the four-digit number on your JTS library card, either on a sticker or a bar code. This is also your first password. Once logged in, you can change your password.

How can I place a hold on a book or renew my books?

To place a hold, search for the book. When you find the book and it is checked out, you can click the “request” button and place a hold on it.

To renew a book, go to the “My Account” tab, click the “Loan” tab and select the book you want to renew. Then, just press the "renew" button, and assuming there are no holds on the book, you may renew it for either ten days or four weeks. The new due date will appear under the item information. If a book has been renewed three times, the system will not allow you to renew it online.

Account Problems

What if I returned a book but it is still listed on my account?

The Library looks at this problem on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the circulation desk immediately if you have this problem.

What happens if my account goes into delinquency?

Library accounts become delinquent when you have either severely overdue books or unpaid fines exceeding thirty dollars. Patrons will not be able to use a delinquent account until all problems have been resolved.

Returns, Renewals, and Fines

Can I return books when the library is closed?

Yes. There is a drop box outside the library entrance for returning books. Reserve books cannot be returned here.

What happens if my books are overdue?

Fines are accrued against overdue materials at fifty cents per day with a fifteen-dollar cap in fines per book. You will not be charged for days The Library is closed. Unpaid fines can result in the suspension of your account and the holding of your transcript/diploma by the registrar's office.

How can I renew my books?

Books can be renewed in person, over the phone, and ALEPH. Books may not be renewed more than three times.

Can I renew overdue books?

Yes, but fines accrued up to the date of renewal stand.

How can I pay fines?

Fines can be paid at the circulation desk with either cash or check. Receipts are available upon request.

What happens if I lose a book?

Patrons must pay for lost books. The cost for this is generally the cost of the book plus a twenty-dollar processing fee. Fees may be higher for out-of-print books.

What happens if I damage a book?

Damaged books are treated like lost books. The patron must pay the cost of the book plus a twenty-dollar processing fee. Patrons may keep the damaged book once their accounts are settled.  

Recalls/Holds

Can I get a book that someone else has checked out?

Most books that are checked out can be recalled. A recall changes a book's due date from the original date to one week from the day the recall was placed. Patrons also have the option of placing a hold on a book. This means that when a book is returned, it is automatically placed on hold for you. A hold also prevents the books from being renewed. You will be informed via phone or email when your book has been returned via the recall or hold option. The circulation desk will hold it for ten days.

Can someone else get a book that I have checked out?

Yes. It is possible that someone will place a recall on a book you currently have checked out. This will change the book's due date from its original due date to one week from the date the recall was placed. You will be contacted via phone or email when a book you are using has been recalled. A patron can also place a hold on a book you are currently using. This will prevent you from renewing it.

What if a book is not on the shelf?

There are many reasons why a book is not on the shelf. It may be checked out, it may be waiting to be reshelved or someone else in the library may be using it. Please ask at the circulation desk for help in finding books not on the shelf.  If you need the book more rapidly and it is either checked out or missing, please check the local libraries (Columbia University Libraries) or place an Interlibrary Loan (ILL form) request.