If the book I'm looking for should be available but it's not on the shelf, what should I do?

Question title

If the book I'm looking for should be available but it's not on the shelf, what should I do?

FAQ Answer

Answer

Sometimes the library catalog indicates that a book is AVAILABLE, but it's not where it's supposed to be on the shelf. This can happen for a number of reasons:

The book has been checked in but hasn't been put back on the shelf yet.
Someone is using the book in the library but hasn't checked it out.
The book has been incorrectly shelved.
The book is too tall to fit on the shelf, and has been shelved in another location with the Oversized Books.

Oversized books for specified call number ranges are shelved together at the end of these ranges. See Library Floor Maps (Book Locations) for help. If you need further assistance locating a title, please ask at the Services Desk on the second floor or contact the library at library@ucmerced.edu.