It is unfortunate, but sometimes, even after following all the proper procedures, one cannot locate a book even though the library catalog claims that it is available. Do not be afraid to ask a librarian for help in this situation. If you want to have all your bases covered before asking, however, you can follow these simply steps.
Step 1: Re-check the Shelf
This may sound a little silly, but sometimes we just don't notice the Call Number we want the first time our eyes pass over it on the shelf. A simple re-checking of the spot that the book should be located in can reveal that we somehow missed it. Also, though the practice is frowned upon, some students take it upon themselves to re-shelve books. Inevitably, books are misplaced on the shelf. If you cannot find a book, then it may help to scan a wider area than the book should be located in.
Step 2: Re-check Availability
Some students will execute a search, write down Call Numbers and head off to locate their books without glancing at their availability. In the search retrieval interface of the catalog, the bottom right corner of each item's record indicates whether or not the item is available, checked out, processing or just lost. Here is an example:
Step 3: Re-check Call Number
Once in a while, we can mistakenly write down the wrong Call Number. Perhaps we are a digit off, misplaced a period or were looking at one call number when we meant to write down a different one. In any case, re-checking that the Call Number you are searching for is correct can lead to finding the elusive book. The location of the Call Number in the electronic record is shown below:
Step 4: Tell a Librarian the Book is Missing
If steps 1-3 do not work, then ask for a librarian's assistance and tell him or her that you cannot find a book. He or she will likely repeat steps 1-3 with you, as well as look for the book in an additional place or two. In case the book still cannot be found, the librarian will make a note that the item is lost and put in a request to re-order it. If you need the book relatively soon, please be sure to inform the librarian.
251.442.2246 | umlibrary@umobile.edu | @umobilelib(C) 2012 The University of Mobile and the J.L. Bedsole Library Originally created by Charles W. Hodgin III
Table of Contents
Preliminary
It is unfortunate, but sometimes, even after following all the proper procedures, one cannot locate a book even though the library catalog claims that it is available. Do not be afraid to ask a librarian for help in this situation. If you want to have all your bases covered before asking, however, you can follow these simply steps.
Step 1: Re-check the Shelf
This may sound a little silly, but sometimes we just don't notice the Call Number we want the first time our eyes pass over it on the shelf. A simple re-checking of the spot that the book should be located in can reveal that we somehow missed it. Also, though the practice is frowned upon, some students take it upon themselves to re-shelve books. Inevitably, books are misplaced on the shelf. If you cannot find a book, then it may help to scan a wider area than the book should be located in.
Step 2: Re-check Availability
Some students will execute a search, write down Call Numbers and head off to locate their books without glancing at their availability. In the search retrieval interface of the catalog, the bottom right corner of each item's record indicates whether or not the item is available, checked out, processing or just lost. Here is an example:
Step 3: Re-check Call Number
Once in a while, we can mistakenly write down the wrong Call Number. Perhaps we are a digit off, misplaced a period or were looking at one call number when we meant to write down a different one. In any case, re-checking that the Call Number you are searching for is correct can lead to finding the elusive book. The location of the Call Number in the electronic record is shown below:
Step 4: Tell a Librarian the Book is Missing
If steps 1-3 do not work, then ask for a librarian's assistance and tell him or her that you cannot find a book. He or she will likely repeat steps 1-3 with you, as well as look for the book in an additional place or two. In case the book still cannot be found, the librarian will make a note that the item is lost and put in a request to re-order it. If you need the book relatively soon, please be sure to inform the librarian.
251.442.2246 | umlibrary@umobile.edu | @umobilelib(C) 2012 The University of Mobile and the J.L. Bedsole Library
Originally created by Charles W. Hodgin III