Q. What do I do if I can't find a book that's supposed to be "on the shelf"?

Hello, 

First, check the catalog to verify that the call number is correct and that you are searching in the correct area of the library.  Also, feel free to ask a staff member at the Library Services Desk to assist you in checking the stacks for the missing item.  

If the search is still unsuccessful, come back a few hours later or the next day to see if the book has been reshelved.  If not, go to the Library Services Desk and inform a staff member that the book is missing. This will allow library staff to continue to search for the book, and in the meantime, we mark the item as "reported missing" in the catalog. 

This status will allow you and other users to request the item from another USMAI library (if it is owned elsewhere in the system) or via Interlibrary Loan (if it is not).  Meanwhile, if we find the book, we will contact you via email and let you know that it's available. 

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