Q: I need a book that someone else has
checked out. Can you hold it for me when it is returned?
A: Yes. We can hold the book and alert you
with an email when it is ready for you to pick up. To do this, find the
title of the item in the library’s catalog. Notice the button on the top
toolbar that says “Hold/Recall.” Click on this button and then login with
your Trinity ID and password. Then choose the “Hold” option. You’ll
receive a short confirmation message that your request has been received.
Q: What if I need the book really fast? Can
you tell me who has the book so that I can ask them to let me borrow it?
A:
If the library owns an item that has been checked out
and you need it quickly, you can ask that we recall the item. To do
this, follow the same steps required to hold a book: (1) look up the title
of the item in our catalog; (2) click on the “Hold/Recall” button at the top
of the screen. Then, select the “Recall” option. The individual who has
the item checked out will be alerted that another library patron needs it.
Q: What if I try to recall an item and the
item still doesn’t come in?
A: This can happen at times. Depending on
the situation and your time limitations, you might wish to view the book at
another local library.
Click here for a listing of other
libraries in San Antonio.
Some libraries will also allow you to check out a
limited number of items for a limited time. For information on borrowing
items from other college/university libraries in San Antonio, contact the
library’s Circulation Desk at (210) 999-8127.
Q: If I try to recall and item and it doesn’t
come in, can I ask to receive it on Interlibrary Loan?
A:
Of course. However, interlibrary loan may
take longer than a recall request. When we ask to borrow a book for you from
another library, the shipping time and the physical handling of the item
makes the request more time consuming. Consider this when trying to choose
between the recall and interlibrary loan options.
Q: What should I do if I receive an email
saying that an item I have checked out has been recalled by someone else?
A:
Obviously, if you have finished using the
item, please return it as soon as possible. If you are still using the
item, knowing that someone else needs it may encourage you to finish with it.
You may have been in the same situation before, so hopefully you’ll be able
to relate to their situation.
If you will need the item soon, but are not using it at
the time of the recall request, there is an option. Go ahead and return the
book, allowing the patron who has made the recall request to check it out.
Then, place a “Hold” request on the item. This way, you will be alerted
when that individual has returned the item and you can check it out again.
If you have further questions about
holding and recalling books available in the Coates Library, speak to someone at
the circulation desk or call ext. 8127.
