How JLG Works | Become a Member | Reading Levels

Frequently Asked Questions

To assist you in learning more about the Junior Library Guild, we have developed this list of Frequently Asked Questions, so that you might be more informed about us and our unique program. If you have a question that is not listed, please contact one of our customer service representatives.

More Web page and online catalog questions

Why can I only use a keyword search on the Forthcoming Titles Catalog?
How does the keyword search function work?
How can I save my order and return to it at a later time?
Is it safe for me to use my credit card number on the order form?

What are the benefits of becoming a member?

Consider the Junior Library Guild as a review service acting on your behalf. Think of us as a "collection development aid" for busy librarians. We provide a convenient and economical way to keep a steady flow of critically acclaimed, new-release, hardcover books coming into your library all year long. There are no fees or hidden costs to join. Simply place an order and you automatically qualify for our membership.

Here are some more great reasons to join JLG:

Up to 55% off new-release hardcover books.
The ability to order from our extensive Award-Winning Titles (Backlist) Catalog, with pricing 35%-55% off the publishers' prices.
Free gifts for new reading levels ordered or the referrel of new customers.
Nearly 100% award-winning titles are selected by JLG.

Do you guarantee the quality of your books?

All of our titles have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with a title you receive, you may exchange it for any of our previously released titles at no charge. Please note that we cannot accept returns that have been processed in any way.

When will I receive my books?

Books are shipped the month prior to their scheduled release date. This allows the postal service to deliver the books to you within the first week of the month. Due to circumstances beyond our control, shipments may be delayed or books may be substituted. Please contact us if you have not received your books by the 25th of the month to the release date.

I received a title that I already have. Can I return it for a different title?

YES YOU CAN! Simply call or e-mail our customer service department for an exchange form and a postage-paid return label. Upon receipt of the book, we will ship the exchange title to you. You may select any book in our extensive Award-Winning Titles (Backlist) Catalog or any current title that has already been shipped to our members, regardless of the reading level. We cannot accept any titles back that have been processed by your library. Books must be returned in the same condition in which they were sent. We cannot accept books sent to you as ‘free hardcover titles,’ as these are prepackaged gifts to your school. Note: Free hardcover titles shipped as prepacked gifts are not eligible for free exchange.

How do the MARC records work?

You will receive fully customized MARC records with the limited cataloging option, as well as with the shelf-ready option. We will need to have a completed cataloging profile to give us the information needed for customization. We cannot fulfill the processing option without a completed profile. The cataloging will be provided to you monthly with your book shipment.
[click to download cataloging profile]

How can I order MARC records for my library?

In order to receive MARC records, you will need to fill out a disk questionnaire. This form will provide us with the necessary information to customize your disk. We CANNOT order the disk without this questionnaire.
[click to download cataloging profile]

What is included in shelf-ready processing?

Shelf-ready processing includes fully customized MARC records as well as spine labels and barcode labels. The spine and barcode labels will be attached to the books per your specifications. Once the labels are attached, the books will be covered with a protective Mylar jacket.

Are any of your titles available on Accelerated Reader?

Nearly all of our titles are available on Accelerated Reader! If you need information on a specific title, please click on the Accelerated Reader link on our Web site, or call our customer service department.

Why can’t I order any books off the Forthcoming Titles Catalog?

Nearly all of our titles are first editions, and the shipment schedule coincides with the publishers release dates. Therefore, we cannot ship our selections earlier than the scheduled shipping date. Once a title is shipped, it will appear in our backlist at the current price of $12.50 and will then be available for purchase.

I have a list of ISBNs I want to order. How can I enter this order quickly?

When you are viewing your shopping cart, you will see a box at the top of the screen where you can enter an ISBN. To add a book to the shopping cart, simply enter the specific ISBN and the quantity desired. Once you have entered the information, click the “Add to Cart” button to order the book. Please note that using this option will allow you to enter titles that may be out of stock or no longer available. A note will appear at the bottom of your shopping cart alerting you if a title is no longer available.

I noticed in your Forthcoming Titles Catalog a book I've already ordered. Can I receive a different title?

Again, YES! If you contact us 30-60 days prior to our release date of that title, you may request a different title.

When will I be billed for my subscriptions?

Billing is done on an annual basis, based on the month that your subscription starts. Your invoice will arrive at about the same time as your first monthly shipment. The invoice includes not only the cost of the books, but also any cataloging and processing.

Is my subscription automatically renewed each year?

No, we send you a renewal notice 90 days before your subscription ends. You can then either complete the form to renew, send us a fax, or call your JLG representative.

Why can I only use a keyword search on the Forthcoming Titles Catalog?

Our Forthcoming Titles listing is separated by reading level. Because the number of titles is so small, you should be able to find the title(s) you are looking for easily.

How does the keyword search function work?

The keyword search function is designed to make finding the title you want easy. You can search by author (first and/or last name), illustrator, a word in the title, reading level, and even ISBN (or part of one). We have recently added the ability to search by the year and month we shipped the book to our members. Please follow these tips when using the keyword search:

When searching by ISBN, enter numbers only without dashes.
When searching by specific author, use their full name including punctuation (ie . . . J. K. Rowling).
The keyword search includes all words used in our descriptions. This may result in more titles than you were expecting.
When searching by release date, format the inquiry by year/month (ie . . . 2007/02)

How can I save my order and return to it at a later time?

We are currently working on this feature. Please be patient as we attempt to improve your online ordering experience.

Is it safe for me to use my credit card number on the order form?

We are working on implementing SSL encryption into our Web site. Until then, if you wish to charge your order to your credit card, you can do one of two things. On the check out counter screen where you enter the bill-to and ship-to information, simply place your credit card information in the appropriate fields and then print and fax that page to us. You can also state in the fields that you will be faxing or calling the info into our customer service department. We can also call you when we receive the order to confirm payment information.