Interlibrary Loan FAQs

What is an Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that procures necessary research materials not available at the JTS Library.

Who is eligible for an Interlibrary Loan?

The following patrons are eligible for an Interlibrary Loan: JTS students, faculty, and staff; members of the RA, CA, and JEA; and library members.

What may be requested?

All materials types may be requested including books, articles, microforms, music scores, and audiovisual materials (i.e., videos, DVDs, and CDs). Please note that most libraries will not loan the following types of materials: whole issues of periodicals, reference works, microform, and audiovisual materials.

Please note:
The library will not make ILL requests for items that the library already owns, even if those items are out on loan. If a desired item is out on loan, please ask the circulation desk to put a recall on the item.

Since members of our library have borrowing privileges at Columbia University, The Library of The Jewish Theological Seminary does not make ILL requests for items that are owned by any of Columbia University’s libraries. If an item you need is not available in our library, please check if Columbia has it before submitting an ILL request.

Is there a charge for this service?

The library provides ILL services to our patrons for free. However, charges that are billed to JTS by the lending library will be passed on to the borrower.

How do I submit a request?

Requests may be submitted electronically or request forms can be obtained at the Circulation Desk.

How long will it take till my item(s) arrive?

The average wait time for an ILL item is ten days. However, some items may take as long as four weeks to arrive, and other items may arrive after only a few days. Items requested from Israel may take two to three months to arrive.

How will I know when my item(s) have arrived?

You can choose to be notified by email or phone.

Where do I pick up my item(s)?

Items can be picked up at the circulation desk. Please be sure to specify that you are picking up Interlibrary Loan materials. Items not picked up by their due date will be returned to the lending library.

How do I renew Interlibrary loan item(s)?

Interlibrary loan items may be renewed by sending a request for renewal to the ILL office at: email. Please note that in order for books to be renewed we must request a renewal through the library that sent us your item. This process may take a few days and the lending library has the right to refuse your renewal request. It is best to request a renewal at least three to four days before your item(s) are due.

What if I lose an Interlibrary Loan item?

If you lose an Interlibrary Loan item, we will report its loss to the original lending library. This library will invoice us for the item and we will pass the cost for the item on to you. The cost of a lost item varies greatly from library to library. JTS does not subsidize or negotiate on fees related to lost Interlibrary Loan items.