Placing a Hold or Recall

When searching the Libraries' Catalog for materials, you might sometimes find that an item you need is already charged to another patron. You may then request that a hold or recall be placed on the item.

If you place a hold on the item, then when it is returned, it will be held for you to pick up. You will be notified that the item has been returned to the library, and you will have 14 days to come to the library and check it out. After that time, the item will be re-shelved as usual.

If you place a recall on the item, then the circulation period of the current borrower will be shortened to two weeks from the date when you placed the recall. When the item is returned, it will be held for you as described above.

If an item has both a hold and a recall on it, then the recall always gets priority, even if the hold was placed first.

Here's how to place a hold or recall.

1. Search the catalog and find the record for the item you need. Display the record on the screen so that you can see the due date.

2. Click on the "Holds/Recalls/Requests" button near the top of the screen.

3. If you haven't logged in yet, you'll be asked to do so now. Students should use their campus-wide identification number (CWID), and others should use their University ID (social security number). Be sure to set the dropdown box to the type of ID number you are using.

4. Choose either "Hold" or "Recall" from the drop-down box and click the OK button.

5. Fill in the form. This example shows the form for a recall.

a. Choose a copy. If you have no preference, choose "Any Copy."
b. Enter your ID number again.
c. Enter any comments. You will usually not need to put anything in this box.
d. Enter the location where you would like to pick up the item. If you prefer to pick it up in the Bruno Library, be sure to change the location to Bruno.
e. Enter the number of days after which you will not need the item.
f. Click the "Submit Request" button to submit the hold or recall.

Once you have placed the hold or recall, you can check its status by clicking on the "My Account" link in the Catalog or the "View Your Account" link at the top of every page on the library Web site.