WHAT TO DO IF A BOOK IS NOT ON THE SHELF

If you cannot find a book on the shelf by its call number, here are some steps to help you locate it. The steps below may vary somewhat depending on which of them you have already completed.

1. Check the item location in LOLA.

Since much of the collection is not in Tanenbaum Hall, be sure to check the item location in LOLA, the library's online catalog. There are several reference, reserve and storage collections where volumes may be kept. Law library information does not appear in Franklin, the University's online catalog.

For a title with fewer than 11 copies or volumes, the location will appear to the left of each volume or copy designation. It may be necessary to click "Click Here" at the bottom of the first 10 to see additional copies or volumes of the title.

Below are some possible locations as indicated in LOLA and what to do:

Lewis Collection: At the Circulation Desk, ask to fill out a book search/retrieval form. Note the posted schedule for retrieval from the Lewis Collection.

Reference: Look in the collection on either side of the Reference Desk. Please do not remove these items from the room.

Ready Ref: Look in the collection on the wall behind the Reference Desk. Please do not remove these items from the room.

Foreign Ref: Look in the Foreign Reference area on the fourth floor, west side. Please return these items to the room.

Closed Reserve: Note the call number and ask at the Circulation Desk.

24-Hr Reserve: Note the call number and ask at the Circulation Desk.

Security Res: Note the call number and ask at the Circulation Desk.

Reserve Rdg Rm: Proceed to the room on your left as you face the Circulation Desk. Look inside the door on the right. Please do not remove these items from this room.

For other locations, ask at the Reference Desk or at the Circulation Desk.

2. Check the status of the item in LOLA.

The status of the volume appears to the right in the same row on the screen as the location and the call number.

If the volume is checked out, a due date will appear on the right side of the same box. You may request a recall at the Circulation Desk. Some recalls can be handled immediately. Other recall requests may take five to seven days to complete.

If the status is "Check Shelf," the item should be on the shelf, although it may be in use within the library. Books with a status of "missing," "on search," or "clms retd" are considered lost. For other status designations, ask at the Circulation Desk.

3. Check the floor where the item is kept.

Check the copy room and the tables and carrels on the floor where the material is normally shelved.

4. Check the sorting area on that floor.

The volume may be on its way back to the shelf. The sorting area for each floor is in the southeast corner of that floor (the first [from the center of the Library] three vertical sections of ranges 3-55-A, 4-59-A and 5-59-A on library maps).

5. Fill out a book search/retrieval form at the Circulation Desk.

Assuming that you looked in the correct shelf location in the first place, have done all of the above and still don't have the book, your last step is to ask Circulation Desk personnel to search for the item. You will need to provide the call number, title, volume number, your name, and your phone number or email address, so that we can get back to you. If the book is found after a week or so, you will be notified. If the item is truly missing, and you are a Law School student, request it through Document Delivery/Interlibrary Loan via the library's web page (http://www.law.upenn.edu/bll) and click on "ILL/Document Delivery."