What do I do if I can't find a book on the shelf?
Answer
1. First, make sure that the item you want is not checked out. Look for the status notation "NOT CHECKED OUT " before looking for the book.
2. Make sure that you were in the correct part of the collection for the call number. Finding a book on the shelf depends on knowing how to read call numbers correctly. The trick is to remember that the second line is a whole number and the third line is a decimal.
It also helps to know how the shelves are ordered. There is a set of detailed floor maps with the call number locations which will help you find the appropriate shelf.
3. Check in the Sorting Areas on the appropriate floor. The sorting areas are where items are gathered and put in order before being shelved. You might catch the item in transit (it may have just been returned or had been used somewhere in the building) in the sorting areas. You can find the sorting areas on the third, fourth, fifth and sixth floors in the North East corner of the building. This maps below show which corner to seek.
The above map shows the location of the sorting area on the third and fourth floors.
The above map shows the location of the sorting area on the fifth and sixth floors.
4. If after you have checked the sorting area, and still not found the item, come to the 2nd floor Circulation Desk. We can initiate a search for the item on your behalf.
Access Services
lggarza@csupomona.edu
(909) 869-3075
