This FAQ contains information about the circulation policy at the State Library of Ohio. Obtaining a library card, maintaining and viewing your patron record, and receiving requested materials are among the topics covered.

Table of Contents

1.  What are your business hours?
2.  How do I get a State Library of Ohio card?
3.  What is my Unique Patron ID number?
4.  How do I replace or update my State Library Card/Account?
5.  How do I search for and request books?
6.  How do I renew my books?
7.  How do I return my books?
8.  How long do books circulate?
9.  What is OhioLINK?
10.  Can I have books sent to other libraries for pickup?
11.  what if I don't find what I'm looking for?
12.  How do I contact the State Library of Ohio to answer questions or resolve problems with my library account?

1.  What are your business hours?
The State Library of Ohio is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.  The State Library is closed on weekends and state holidays.

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2.  How do I get a State Library of Ohio card?
Individuals may apply for a State Library of Ohio card either in person, or online from the Get a Library Card [1] link located on the Home Page [2].

 State of Ohio Employee Registration Form [3]

After the registration has been processed by State Library staff, normally within one work day, State of Ohio employees will receive an e-mail with their Unique Patron ID number and information about accessing State Library services.  Users may begin using their card immediately.  A physical library card will be sent via inter-office mail.

 Ohio Resident Registration Form [4]

A physical library card will be sent to Ohio residents registering online to verify that the address and information provided on the Web form is correct.  Ohio residents wanting to use their library card immediately must register in person at the State Library of Ohio and show proof of address, i.e. driver's license, state ID, recently postmarked bill, etc.

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3.  What is my Unique Patron ID number?
Your Unique Patron ID number is composed from the last nine digits of your barcode number, located on the back of your library card.  This number typically begins with three zeros, i.e. 000444589.

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4.  How do I replace or update my State Library Card/Account?
Contact the State Library Patron & Catalog Services Department to replace your library card or update your account information.  You may do so by phone at 614-644-6950 or by e-mail at circhelp@library.ohio.gov.

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5.  How do I search for and request books?
From the State Library of Ohio's Home Page, enter a title or key words of the topic you are interested in:

Find Books and Other Resources - select search limit -Libraries WorldwideOhioLINK LibrariesState Library of Ohio Advanced Search [5]

 From the list of titles that appears as a result of your search, click on the title you are interested in to determine the item's availability.  To place a request, click on the Request icon.  Select the State Library as your "School or Institution."  Then enter your name and your Unique Patron ID number.  Use the <Back to Item Details and/or <Return to Search Results link (located on the top left corner of the page) to return to your initial search results.

Watch the Finding & Requesting Books With a State Library Card Tutorial [6]

6.  How do I renew my books?
Books may be renewed on-line by clicking on the Access My Account [7] link located on the State Library's Home Page [2].  Enter your name and your  Unique Patron ID number and then click on the Submit button.  Next, click on the Checked Out Items icon [8]. Select the items to renew and then click on the Renew Selected Items button; you may also renew all items currently checked out by clicking on the Renew All button.  Your new due date will appear in the Status Column, or a flag will appear, indicating that a particular item could not be renewed.

7.  How do I return my books?
State of Ohio employees may return books via inter-office mail.  Address books to: State Library of Ohio, 274 E. First Ave, Suite 100, Columbus, Ohio, 43201.  Ohio residents must return (and pick up) books in person at the State Library of Ohio.

Customers may also pick up and return books at other OhioLINK libraries by changing the Pickup Institution  when placing a request.

8.  How long do books circulate?
State Library books and audio/video materials circulate for three weeks and have unlimited renews as long as there are no other customers on the waiting list for that particular item.  Books requested through OhioLINK  circulate for three weeks and are limited to four renewal periods (for a maximum of twelve weeks).  Audio/video materials requested through OhioLINK circulate for one week and have a single renewal period of one week (for a maximum of two weeks).

9.  What is OhioLINK?
OhioLINK is a consortium of 88 Ohio college and university libraries, the State Library of Ohio, and two public libraries: the Cuyahoga County Public Library and the Westerville Public Library.  Registered users at OhioLINK libraries [9] have access to a virtual statewide library through the State Library's catalog [10].  Books and audio/video materials that are not available from the State Library of Ohio may be requested from other member libraries.

10.  Can I have books sent to other libraries for pickup?
OhioLINK books may be delivered to any OhioLINK library [9].  change the Pickup Institution from the State Library (the default pickup location) to a more convenient location by using the drop-down menu when placing a request.  You will need to present your State Library card and a picture ID when you pick up your requested materials.

11.  What if I don't find what I'm looking for?
The State Library of Ohio has additional resources available to registered users.  Click on the Statewide Resources and Services [11] link on the Home Page to see a list of additional resources

PLEASE NOTE: Due to license agreements with third-party vendors, some databases and resources are limited to State of Ohio employees only.

12. How do I contact the State Library to answer questions or resolve problems with my library account?
Contact the State Library Patron & Catalog Services Department by phone at 614-644-6950 or by e-mail at circhelp@library.ohio.gov.