What should I do if the book I'm looking for isn't on the shelf?
First check the STATUS of the book on its record in the catalog. If the book is in the library the word AVAILABLE appears in the STATUS box. If the book has been checked out by someone else you will see a due date. Go to the Circulation Desk and place a hold or recall on the book. You will then be notified as soon as the book is returned.
If the book's STATUS is AVAILABLE, next check the LOCATION of the book on the catalog record to be sure that you're looking in the right place. For example, if the location is given as Law Library, you will need to go to the Mabee Legal Information Center to retrieve the book. If the location is McF Special Collections you will need to go up to that Department on the Fifth Floor to look at the book. Books in the regular, circulating collection (the ones you can check out) are identified by the location McFarlin Books and are located on either the Main or Intermediate Level.
If the book is AVAILABLE but is clearly not where it should be, go to either the Circulation Desk or the Research Desk and ask for assistance. A staff member will be happy to double-check the shelves to be sure that the book has not been mis-shelved. The Circulation Desk can also conduct a formal search for the book. If the book cannot be found it will be declared missing and you may then place an Interlibrary Loan request for it.
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