Guide to Online Requests

Click here for information on using the iBistro system to place library materials on hold from home or the library.

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Things to Know If You Request Online

• Our system distinguishes between fines, which are owed on overdue materials not yet returned, and bills, which are owed on materials that have been returned.  Fines become bills when overdue materials are returned or renewed.  To determine your status, the system adds together your fines and your bills.  If the total is $5.00 or more, you are blocked not only from checking out library materials, but also from renewing or requesting items online.
• You must log in before you can place a hold. You will need your library card number and a PIN to request materials online.  If you don't already have a PIN, the new system will assign you one that is the last four digits of your phone number.  If you have a PIN but have forgotten it, you will need to call the library.
• Once you have searched for the item you need, you will get a list of possible matches.  Read the details of each item to make sure you request the correct version -- book, movie, audiobook (CD or cassette, abridged or unabridged), and so on.  
• To request the item you want, first click on the Find a copy box on the left. (This is only necessary if more than one item is displayed on the page.)  Then click on Place a Hold (again on the left).
• Next, if you want your requested items to be delivered to a different library from Washington Township Public Library, choose that library from the drop-down list.
• If you are logged in on a public computer, be sure to click on Logout in the light blue bar before you leave the computer.

Any questions?  
Call the Library at 908-876-3596.

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Online Renewals

Patrons may renew borrowed library materials online.  To renew online, you must have your library card number and a PIN.  In addition, you cannot have a status of blocked (see above).

Follow the directions below to renew library materials online:

• Go to the iBistro web catalog and log in.
• Click on My Account.
• Click on Renew My Materials.
• Choose either to Renew Selected Items or to Renew All.

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Using JerseyCat

Patrons may use JerseyCat to request materials that cannot be found in the M.A.I.N. online catalog, iBistro.  JerseyCat allows you to search the catalogs of many N.J. libraries, as well as the New Jersey Union List of Serials (a list of magazines and journals and the N.J. libraries where they can be found).  You should use JerseyCat only if you cannot find an item in iBistro.  You will, in general, receive an item more quickly if you place your request, or hold, through M.A.I.N.'s catalog.

To get to the JerseyCat web site, click here.  Once at the site, you can either type in your search or click on the tab for Advanced Search to use that option.  When you find an item that you wish to borrow, click on Request Item and complete the form.

If you have any questions about using JerseyCat,
please call the Library at 908-876-3596
and ask for the Reference Desk.

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