Searching Request Forms

"First time readers" PLEASE read Longer Text Version at end of document

Patrons fill out the blue search request form for items that they are unable to locate

Please search for this item: When we have located this item, we will notify the patron by mail that the item is available.
CALL NUMBER:                                                                                                        TODAY's DATE:
AUTHOR:                                                           TITLE:
PATRON NAME:                                                     BARCODE:                                                     PHONE#:

STAFF USE ONLY

BOOK BARCODE: 30081 When searched:
Who searched: If found, put on hold for patron. If not located after a full search, charge to missing (203996) and place a recall on it for the patron who requeste it.

Verify that the information on the form is completed correctly
Search Acorn in staff mode for the item while the patron is still in the building
(verify that it is not charged to a location other than its home location)
Search for the item (immediately if possible while the patron is still in the building)
If an immediate search is not possible, assure the patron that we will do a thorough search for the item and notify him/her if it is found
Next to "Staff use only" write in the date and your initials to record the first search
Two days later, repeat the search process a second time
If the item is still not found, charge it to missing (203996) Missing and Lost Items
Place a hold (not a recall) on the item for the patron who requested the search
Discard the form

Searching Methods

Search the following:

The exact place where the item should be located
The shelf where the item should be located
The shelves above, below, and on either side the item's location
Anywhere that a shelver might have shelved it in a logical visual error
Be Creative

For example, in the case of a book with a call number of BS 680 .MB45 "search"
BS 580 .M45	BS 68 .M45	BR, BT, BX, 680 .M45	BS 680 .N45

Reference, Judaica, Periodicals, Oversize, Reserves, Holding shelves
In desparate cases, Central
Your best guesses

Note: It never hurts to wander the stacks looking for a book, on the off chance that it may just happen to catch your eye. If you find a book, verify its barcode, discharge it, and take the appropriate action concerning it.

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Longer Text Version

Search Procedures

Searching for books is a continual process, as there are almost always some searches waiting to be done. Remember that it never hurts to have more than one person search an item, particularly if it is something which a patron needs ASAP.

There are several types of search requests which you may encounter. The blue search form is the one patrons fill out. Other serches are printed each morning. These may look like regular overdue notices addressed to "New book Shelves:, or "Circulation desk Staff." Be sure to notice if the item is to be charged to another pseudo patron after the search and follow the directions accordingly.

Blue Search Forms

The blue search forms are generally the most common search requests and should be a top-priority when doing several searches. Make sure the patron has given as much of the requested information as possible. If you are able, check Acorn in saff mode for the book while the patron is still in the building; patrons occasionally misread the public display and thus are unable to find the book on the shelf not because it is missing, but because it is charged to another patron, in Central, on reserve, or they wrote the call number down incorrectly.

After you have verified that the book should indeed be where the patron has looked, write in the barcode number of the item on the slip and check the shelf yourself at that moment if it is possible (i.e., if there is someone else who can waqtch the desk). As in the case above, patrons frequently are unable to find a book because they are unfamiliar with the call number system and the stacks. Many "real" searches can be preempted by doing this. If you are unable to check the shelf yourself at the time, or if you do and do not find the book, tell the patron that we will do a thorough search for the item and notify him/her if we find it. After you have completed a "blue form search," and repeated the search two days later, charge it to missing (203996), place a hold, not recall, on it for the patron who wanted it, and discard the form. DO NOT DISCARD THE FORM UNTIL THE BOOKS HAS BEEN CHARGED TO MISSING.