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University of Iowa

University Libraries

Main Library Service Desk: Missing Items

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Missing Items

Users may occasionally be unable to locate an item in the stacks. If this happens, verify a few pieces of information before doing anything else:

  • Ask them what floor they were looking on, check the call number, and verify it was the correct floor.
  • Make sure the item is in our library. Sometimes users only look at the call number and miss that the item may be housed at a different campus library.
  • Check to see if it is available or checked out. 

If you verify this information and it still looks like the item may be missing, tell them to request it on InfoHawk+. ILL staff will search for the item (usually the next day) and if they are unable to find it, they will direct the user to Interlibrary Loan to place a request for the item to be shipped from another institution. 

Regular Loan Books

Patrons can request items stored at Main Library through InfoHawk+ or search the stacks to find them. InfoHawk+ will show whether items are available or checked out. There are also books in the Main Library's collection that are stored an offsite facility, the Annex. Patrons can request these using InfoHawk+.  Staff can also request the items with Alma (see Alma User Request).

Staff may occasionally discover Alma records that show "missing" or "lost" (lost = never returned by a borrower). 

Alternatives to missing items or items UI does not have in its collection are:

  • E-books (also searchable on InfoHawk+ and Alma)
  • Copies at other campus libraries
  • Interlibrary Loan or UBorrow (see below)

Other Items

Journals and Newspapers

If a patron cannot find a particular journal or newspaper, an online copy may be available.  Search InfoHawk+ or direct the user to the JustAsk desk where they can chat with a librarian if you cannot find the answer to their question. The librarians are there to help with any research-related or more in depth questions that we may not be able to answer at the service desk.

Service Desk Material

If you cannot locate a reserve book or other item (example: a MacBook charger)—and Alma shows that it is not on loan—contact your supervisor!  Staff should always know where material is or who has it.

Interlibrary Loan & UBorrow