Library Lingo Decoded

Sometimes it might seem that the uses a lot of strange ways to describe the “status” of an item. No worry – let us explain…

When you are looking at the status of a book on our online catalog, you might see one of the following:

• On Shelf – This means the item should be in the owning library. If you don’t find it, ask the librarian.
• A Duedate – This means the item is currently checked out and is due on this date. It does not mean that the item will actually be in on that date, however. The patron may return it sooner – or later. If you would like the item, you may put it on hold and we will save a copy for you when one is available.
• On Holdshelf – When an item is being saved for a patron, we put it on the Holdshelf for them. The patron has five days to pick up the item from the Circulation Desk. The item would not be available now for another patron, but we can always put a hold on the item for you.
• In Transit – We send items between libraries for hold requests. When an item is requested from a different library, it is pulled off the shelf and sent to be sorted and transferred to the other library. A van makes daily delivers of materials to the North Shore Library. In Transit simply means that it is somewhere in this process.  It may be coming to fill a hold here or it may be on its way back to its home on the shelves.
• Ask at Desk – Sometimes all the books do not fit on a particular shelf. We have what we call an overflow section of books in the back workroom. This is not a public area, but we are happy to go get a book for you.  Just ask the librarian at the Reference Desk.
• Just Returned – This will let you know that there is a possibility that the book is not back on the shelves yet and may still be on a cart in Circulation.  Our staff tries really hard to get items shelved quickly and often they are back on the shelves even when the catalog says “Just Returned”. But if you cannot find an item, please ask the librarian at the Reference Desk to check.  We may be able to find it for you.

The staff of the library is there to help you. If you are not finding what you want, please ask. And remember – there are no stupid questions at the library!