Answered By: Anna Shparberg
Last Updated: Jul 10, 2025     Views: 777

If a book is not where the catalog says it should be, there are a few possible reasons. It may be awaiting re-shelving, or someone may be reading it right now. The book might also be lost.

You should check a few adjacent shelves to make sure it wasn't put back improperly--sometimes patrons pull out a book, decide they don't want it, and then put it back in the wrong spot. The next step would be to go to the Circulation Desk and ask a staff member to look the book up for you. If the material is still not found, complete a Missing Item Search Request form. Then you will be notified by email when the book is found.

In the cases when the book cannot be found you may request it through Interlibrary Loan (ILL), and ask the library to consider ordering a replacement copy.

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