Lost and found – when the book you want is missing

While the library strives to keep collections organized, there are quirks in the system that may make it hard to find what  you need. Here are some things to think about when the book you want doesn’t appear to be available, or isn’t where it should be.

Is the book checked in? If you look up a book in the library’s catalog and the status doesn’t say “Check Shelves,” then it isn’t currently available. Ask a librarian for help – there may be another copy available in the building, or we might be able to have the person who has the item checked out return it. In some cases, we can buy another copy of something or request it through Interlibrary Loan.

If the online catalog says that the book is checked in, and it’s not on the shelf, ask a librarian for help. The book could be in the processing area, waiting to be reshelved, or on display in a different part of the library. It’s possible that someone has taken the book off the shelf and left it somewhere else in the library, or that it has been mis-shelved. Librarians deal with these situations every day, and we’re happy to help you.

Remember that one of our main goals is to save the time of the reader.  Don’t spend your time looking for something that’s out of place – let us help you!