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Finding Books at the End of the Semester

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OBIS says the book I want has a status of RECENTLY RETURNED or CHECK HOLDING AREA but I can't find it on the shelf. Where is it?

We are expecting thousands of books to be returned over the next few weeks. In order to keep up with this torrent of materials, we will begin shelving returned books in holding areas in the stacks in the Terrell Main Library sometime in December. The books are separated into their general call number breakdowns, but are not in strict call number order.

If you need a book that is not checked out, and you cannot find it in the stacks, please check the holding areas. Once the holding areas are arranged, a map of the holding areas will be available.

2nd floor holding areas

  • Red Elevator alcove - 800, N, Q, R, T, U, V and periodicals

3rd floor holding areas

  • Red Elevator alcove - P-PK and PM-PZ
  • North Wall of South Stacks - 200, 300, 900, B-K, and PL

NOTE: Very recently handled books are shelved in the circulation work area. A circulation staff member can escort you to this area to browse after you've checked the stacks.

What about books with a status of AVAILABLE?

Even books that have not been recently checked out may be shelved in the holding areas, if they were used recently. Please check both the holding areas and the stacks. You are encouraged to request a hold on any item you need.

What if I need a book that's still checked out?

In our experience, there is no point in recalling books at the end of the semester. Borrowers are given several days to return recalled items, and the need is usually more urgent than that. If you need checked out material, you may request a hold, and if the book is returned in the next few days we will automatically set it aside and notify you of its availability. In addition, you may speak with a circulation desk supervisor to see if there are any options to speed up the return of the book. Finally, consult with the reference staff to see if we have other, similar resources available for you.

Last updated:
December 4, 2018