Holding Materials

A hold is to request an item with a non-available status. Only items with a non-available status may be placed on hold. Loaned items may be placed on hold at any time and the items may be given an earlier due date for the current borrower. The current borrower has at least 21 days of use and will be notified of the adjusted due date by e-mail.

I can't find a book on the shelf that says "Available" in the library catalog. What do I do next?

If a book is not found on the shelf, please check the re-shelving and copy areas on that floor. It may not have been returned to its regular shelf yet. If you are still unable to locate the item, a trace may be placed on the item. A request for a trace may be placed by using the Circulation Request Form or by contacting Circulation. Library staff will search for the item for 30 days and if the item is found, it will be placed on hold in your name for 7 days and a pickup notice will be sent via email. If the item is not found, you may use Summit or Interlibrary Loan to borrow items from another institution. Traces for materials located outside The Valley Library (i.e. Guin Library/HMSC or the Herbarium) must be directed to the specific location.

Someone has placed a hold on a book I have checked out and I am not finished with it. What can I do?

Even though dealing with a shortened loan period on a library item can be difficult, it is important to honor all hold notices so others may have access to the material. There is no grace period on held items, and late fines will be charged for overdue materials. To avoid overdue charges, return items or make arrangements with someone to receive notices and return held items if you leave for breaks between terms, vacation, sabbatical, university business, etc. If you are not finished using the item that has been placed on hold, you may place a hold on it yourself at the time you return it. This will ensure that the item returns to you after a brief loan to the other requesting patron.

How do I place a hold on an item that is currently checked out by someone else

To submit a hold through the library catalog, search for the item you wish to place on hold. Once the item record is located, click on the blue "Request" button. Enter your name and university ID, choose a pickup location and submit. You should get a message that says that your request has been successful. Once the previous patron has returned the item, you will receive an email that it is available for pickup at Circulation.

How do I request a book that is in the OASIS catalog but isn't available in the library

Use the following suggestions to request a non-available item:

• checked out - place a hold (allow 3 weeks) or request through Summit
• on order - request through Summit or Interlibrary Loan
• bindery - request through Summit or Interlibrary Loan
• in repair - place a request using the Circulation Request Form or stopping by the Circulation desk or by calling (541) 737-2538
• mending - place a request using the Circulation Request Form or stopping by the Circulation desk or by calling (541) 737-2538
• in-process - place a request using the Circulation Request Form or stopping by the Circulation desk or by calling (541) 737-2538

When the item returns to an "available" status, you will be notified by email and it will be held for you for 7 days at Circulation. Guin Library/HMSC items can also be requested in this manner and arrive in 3 working days. Storage items are retrieved between 4 and 5 pm every day. Items with the status "on order" or "bindery" will be accessed more quickly if you use Summit.