Q. What if I can't find a book on the shelf?

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 that doesn't work, complete a Missing Item Search Request form (this can be done by you through the library's website). Then you will be notified by email when the book is found.

In the rare 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.