University of Utah     Marriott Library    Circulation    Missing Book Information

What to do if the book you need is missing from the shelf.
There are many reasons why you may not find a book where it's supposed to be, so it's always better to request a missing book search that to just wait and see if the book comes back. The Circulation Department employs searchers who are experts at finding missing books in the library.

Ask the problem solvers:

CIRCULATION

The Circulation Department can help locate a missing book. Request a missing book search at the Main Circulation Desk on level 3 or by filling out the Search Form on the web. The official book detective will look for the book and notify you if it is found.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN

The Interlibrary Loan Office can borrow the book form another library for you. Request a missing book search first so the ILL staff will know the book is missing. Otherwise they will tell you the book is already in the library. The ILL office is on Level 3, or use the Interlibrary Loan request form on the web.

REFERENCE DESK

A Reference librarian may be able to help you find other sources of information that you can use immediately. Reference help is avalable in person, by phone and by e-mail from Ask-a-Librarian.

Common reasons why a book is not on the shelf:

• The book is checked out to another library borrower.
  Solution: You can recall it.
• The call number or location from UNIS was copied down wrong.
  Solution: Double check the UNIS catalog.
• Someone messed up the shelf or put the book in the wrong place.
  Solution: Library Stacks personnel constantly shelf read looking for out of place books. Request a missing book search and you will be notified when the book reappers.
• Someone took the book to read in the library or photocopy and it's not back on the shelf yet.
  Solution: It might be in the reshelving area on level 2. You can look there yourself, or request a missing book search so a Circualtion searcher can find it.
• The book is damaged so it's at the bindery being repaired.
  Solution: Request a missing book search.
  
• The book is brand new so it's in the catalog already but not out on the shelf yet.
  Solution: Request a missing book search.
• The book is actually lost or stolen.
  Solution: You can make an interlibrary loan request for the book, but request a missing book search first to alert the library to buy a new copy.