Borrowing - What If...
Checked Out
When the Libraries' catalog shows a due date for an item, the material has been checked out.
You may request the item by clicking the Request button located to the far right of the "Full catalog - Holdings" screen for that item. Here is what happens when you request an item that is checked out:
- When the due date is ten days or less
- A request blocks renewal of the item.
- You are notified when the item returns, and the item is held for seven days
Not on Shelf
When the Libraries catalog does not show a due date for an item that cannot be found on the shelf, you should request a search.
- Request a search at a circulation desk in Hodges or the branch libraries by presenting the call number and your UT ID
- You are notified when the item is found
In Storage
When the catalog indicates that an item is in "Storage Stacks" or "Closed Stack," this means that the item resides in a restricted access area and must be retrieved for you.
- Detailed instructions for requesting an item in storage are found on the Storage Facility page
Requesting Items
Items in the catalog
An item may be requested from the library catalog by clicking on the Request button in the item’s record and then logging in. The Request button is on the page reached after clicking the “Find Item” button. Select the location where you would like to pick up the item. Click on the “Submit” button.
If the item is checked out…
The patron who has the item will be notified that another patron needs the item and has placed a requested on it. The due date is changed to ten days from the date of the request. The patron who has the item becomes fine liable and their library transactions are blocked if the item is not returned by the new requested due date.
A “Request Hold Available” notice is sent to the requesting patron when the item is returned. The item is held seven days for pick up. The patron may request a particular pickup location.
If the item is not checked out…
Items that are in the library will be pulled from the shelf for the patron. When the item is ready to be picked up a “Request Hold Available” notice is sent. The item is held for seven days from the date of the notice. The patron may request a particular pickup location.
Most requests for items not checked out should be available for pickup within two business days.
Items Not available from UT Libraries
UT students, faculty, and staff may request Items that are not part of the UT Libraries’ collections through InterLibrary Services using the ILLiad system.
Recalling Items
If another UT patron requests an item you have checked out, you will be issued what's called a "Recall." A Recall changes your due date from the original date to 10 days from the moment the books recalled. This means if a book is recalled on the 10th of the month, it will be due on the 20th.
Recalls also generate overdue fines, faculty included. Recall fines are $.50 a day.
If you place a Recall, UT Libraries will notify you via email when the item becomes available.
To Recall a book, contact any of our libraries or use the UT Library Catalog 'Request' service.
Receiving a UT Libraries Recall Notice
When you receive a "UT Libraries Recall Notice" this means another patron has requested an item that is checked out to you. The original due date has been changed to a shorter loan period. It is important to return the item by the new due date. If the item is not returned by the new due date your library transactions are blocked and a fifty cents per day fine begins to accrue to the maximum of twenty dollars per item. You may request the item back when you return it. This will limit the loan period of the person who requested it from you to seven days from the date they pick up the item.
Lost
If a library item is not returned or renewed within three weeks after it is due, the computer considers it lost and sends a bill for replacement to the person who has the item.
The bill for replacement consists of a charge for the item plus a $20 processing fee. The charge for the item is an average cost of similar items.
- If the person returns the item before paying for it, the library removes the whole replacement amount for this item. (But overdue fines for recalled, reserve, or electronic items remain.)
- If the person returns the item within one year after paying for it, the library refunds the charge for the item but keeps the processing fee.
- If the library finds the item and determines that the library did not check it in properly, the library removes or refunds the whole amount owed for this item.
- For more information about lost books charges and borrower-initiated replacements please consult our Collection Development pages.
Damaged
- Damaged materials should be returned to the Library immediately, especially if it is a print item that has sustained water damage. The Library's preservation staff may be able to save the material if allowed to act quickly
- Staff will assess the damage, and a fee will be determined for repair or possible replacement.
