How can I see the books I've borrowed?

I'm trying to remember the title of a DVD I saw and a book I read. Does NYPL keep a record of items I checked out? Is there a history I can look at?


Answer

The library itself doesn't keep records of your borrowing history.

The Library does not keep record of books and other items that have been checked out and returned on time by its patrons, or items that had been placed on hold (though we do send e-mail notifications, so you could check your e-mail account). Once an item is returned (before the due date) the system deletes the title from the patron's record. Only items currently checked out, items on hold, canceled holds, late materials and fines paid on materials, are kept in your record.

Moreover, the record of canceled holds, as well as other blocks on a library account, can be deleted at a patron's request.

By not keeping any no longer relevant records, The Library ensures a patron's privacy (as required by law).

While the Library itself does not keep record of books that have been checked out and returned on time our e-book providers make available reading histories. For instance,  OverDrive https://nypl.overdrive.com - by going to "My Account" and then "History" and the cloudLibrary https://ebook.yourcloudlibrary.com/library/nypl/Featured - by logging in and going to "My Books" and then "History".

You also can use our online catalog (https://browse.nypl.org) to log in, and create "Lists" - https://www.nypl.org/catalog-faq#newlist).

Here's an overview of NYPL's Privacy Policy: 
http://www.nypl.org/help/about-nypl/legal-notices/privacy-policy

The Library subscribes to a few databases that may be helpful if you're trying to recall the title of a book you'd read, such as Books in Print (which has Fiction Connection and Non-Fiction Connection), and :Books & Authors:
http://www.nypl.org/databases/

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  • Last Updated Feb 13, 2024
  • Views 5228
  • Answered By Bernard -AskNYPL

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