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

You can search for a book in the Quicksearch Catalog using keyword, author, title, or subject. When you find a book of interest, select the title to open the book record.

• Check the call number to make sure you have the correct call number.
  • See our FAQ "How do I search for a book?" for more information.
• Check the call number in case the book is labeled as "Oversize," as these books may be shelved in different areas.
  • See our FAQ "What does 'Oversize' mean?"
• 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 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" to have library staff search for the book for you. You may request for pick up at any library on campus or for it to be mailed to your home address.
• You may also request the book through Borrow Direct in case library staff determine that the book is missing.

In the example below, there are available copies at the Library Shelving Facility (LSF) and Bass Library, but the copy at Sterling Memorial Library (SML) in the General Collections (the Stacks) is unavailable. The LSF location indicates that its copy must be requested for use. The Bass Library copy should be on the shelf in the Lower Level.