Jewish Studies Research: Planning a research visit

The  Dorot Jewish Division reading room, room 111 of the Stephen A. Schwarzman building, is open to NYPL cardholders for research (using NYPL materials or computers) and quiet study (working with your own device or books). When you enter room 111, a librarian will ask for your library card and help you select a seat in the reading room.

If you don't have a library card, you can apply for one online and pick up your physical card in our reading room or at your local NYPL branch. Make sure you have photo ID with proof of your address. See this page for more information about proof of address.

Below are some questions we commonly hear from our researchers about library cards.

Q: I'm traveling to New York City to do research. Can I get a library card even though I don't live in New York or have a New York address?

A: Yes, you can get a Visitor Card, valid for three months. This card will allow you to use NYPL materials during your visit to New York. To apply, fill out the standard library card application using the address where you live. If your address is outside the United States and the standard form does not accept it, try this form specifically for international addresses.

Q: I live outside of New York, but I want an NYPL card so I can access NYPL's online resources, like databases and e-books. Is this possible?

A: No, NYPL cards are only for people who live, work, study, or pay taxes in New York, or who are visiting. There are many free websites that do not require a library card. See this page for Jewish Studies-specific free online resources.

Q: I have a Brooklyn or Queens Public Library card. Is this the same thing?
A: No, those are separate library systems. To use NYPL materials, please apply for an NYPL card.

Q: I'm having a problem with my account. Can the Library help me?

A: Yes! See this page for options: https://www.nypl.org/get-help

Before you come to the library:

☐ Use the catalog to search for the books you want to read and request them in advance

☐  If you don't know where to begin with your research, connect with a staff member for guidance

☐ Log into your nypl.org account to verify that your items have arrived

• If your books say "Ready for pickup" or "on holdshelf," they are waiting for you here. If the status is "available," that means they have not yet arrived.

☐ Email dorotjewish@nypl.org if you want to request something that doesn't have a request button

☐ Make sure you have your library card

• If you signed up for a card online, bring photo ID with proof of address so staff can issue you a physical card
• You will need a library card to check into the reading room, even if you are not planning on using any books

The following research tools are available in our reading room, Room 111 of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building:

• Database and catalog computers
• Free wi-fi
• Reference works (including dictionaries, encyclopedias, concordances)
• Photocopier
• Optical magnifier (enlarges type in physical books and periodicals)
• Microfilm readers
  • Readers can make scans to email or save to a flash drive; please bring your own flash drive if you plan to scan a number of pages

Please note that our overhead scanner for scanning physical books and periodicals is temporarily out of order as of March 2024. If you need to make a scan, a staff member can help.

Q: Do I need to make an appointment?

A: No appointment is necessary to use our reading room. However, we strongly recommend requesting items in advance and not coming in until you have verified that your requests have arrived.

Q: I'm in a hurry and don't want to wait for my books to be delivered. How can I make sure my books are ready for me?

A: If you receive email notifications from NYPL, you should have gotten an email when they were ready. Otherwise, you can log into your account on nypl.org (make sure you click on "Go to the Research Catalog" rather than "Go to the Catalog" if using the dropdown menu at the top of the homepage). You should find your current holds listed. When the status says "Ready for pickup," this means the books have arrived. A status of "Available" means they have NOT arrived.

Q: I found something I wanted to read but the catalog said "Available - Make a Request in Person." Must I make the request in person?

A: If there is a request button, you should use that to request the book. If there's not, please email us at dorotjewish@nypl.org and request it.

Q: What rules do I have to follow in the reading room?

A: NYPL's general Policies and Rules are available online. Dorot Jewish Division staff may ask you to follow additional rules for the safety of our collections, space, and staff, such as keeping water bottles off the table.

Q: Do you have computers that offer general internet access and/or Wi-Fi?

A: We offer free Wi-Fi through the "nypl" network; no password is required. Our computers only allow access to nypl.org and the databases we subscribe to, so if you want to use other websites while you're here, make sure you bring your own device.

Q: Do you have an exhibit or display? Can I tour the reading room?

A: There is nothing on display in the reading room, but there are exhibitions elsewhere in the Library. The reading room is only open for research and quiet study, not for touring.

Central building, first floor lobby : looking from lobby (Astor Hall) toward exhibition hall, war posters (?) displayed on either side, ca. 1918.
 

We invite you to take a break from your research to visit the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures. The items on display rotate and include selections from across the Library's research centers. The Library also offers smaller, shorter-term exhibits throughout the building. Check the Exhibitions page of our website to see what else is on while you are here.

NOTE: We sometimes receive questions about two past exhibits that highlighted the Dorot Jewish Division's collections. These exhibits have not been up for some time and are not viewable in the reading room, but these archived web pages provide more information:

Letters to Sala (2006)

Three Faiths (2011)