Answered By: Ro Ross
Last Updated: Jul 28, 2022     Views: 497

Q: I looked for a book in the stacks and it wasn’t there. What should I do?
Answered by: Ro Ross

You can search for a book using either Orbis or Quicksearch Books+, where you can search by keyword, author, title, and subject.

When you have found the book you are looking for, select the title to open the book record.

  • Check the call number to make sure you have the correct call number.
  • Check the call number in case the book is labeled as "Oversize," as these books may be shelved in different areas.
  • Check the location to confirm you are in the correct library listed in the record.
  • Check the item status to confirm that the book is not checked out, in transit, or missing.

If you still can't find your book, try these steps:

  • Check the entire shelf where the book should have been. It is possible it was slightly misshelved.
  • Check the book trucks in the middle walkway near the elevators. Books on these trucks are waiting to be shelved and are in order by call number.
  • Visit the library service desk at either Sterling Memorial Library or Bass Library or contact us at askyalelibrary@yale.edu. We will be more than happy to assist you.
  • In the book's online record, select the option "Request for pickup," and library staff will search for the book for you.
  • You may also request the book through Borrow Direct in case library staff determine that the book is missing.

In the example below, the book is in Sterling Memorial Library (SML) in the Stacks (the main collection), and the item is not checked out. This book should be on the shelf.

A screenshot of the "Available from" box in Quicksearch Books+, showing the call number for a book in the SML stacks

 

 

 

 

 

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