Stacks Maintenance

The stacks maintenance unit is responsible for shelving newly received material in the Perkins stacks collection; re-shelving material after it has been returned by borrowers or used in-house; re-shelving materials returned from repair or the bindery; shifting books and journals within the stacks to make the best use of shelf space, and keeping items in call number order.

In addition to items returned from Circulation, each day the Stacks Maintenance unit picks up materials that have been taken from the shelves and left around the library.  Staff and student assistants return these items to their proper shelf locations.  On average we shelve 4700 items each week.  Any item removed from the shelf and used for whatever reason inside the library is also returned to our sorting area.

To help us keep books in order, we ask that you not re-shelve items you have used, but instead return them to the Perkins Circulation Desk, the Bostock Help Desk or place them on the shelves in the stacks designated for re-shelving.  Our goal is a 24 hour turnaround time for shelving anything that comes to the sorting area.  Since we spend a lot of time in the stacks, we are a good resource to help you locate something you're looking for but can't find.

Locating Materials in the Stacks

Please refer to the Book Location Chart to determine where call number ranges are shelved.  At various locations throughout the library, and at every elevator, are signs that show a breakdown of call numbers for each floor.

Staff are available to help you if you need assistance in finding an item you are looking for.  Please ask at the Circulation Desk if you are having difficulty locating any item which should be on the shelf.

If you think you're at the right spot on the right floor but your item isn't there, try these steps:

1. Double-check the catalog for the item's call number (Dewey vs. LC), location, and status.  If under "Collection" it does not say "Stacks", the item could be in another collection, such as LSC, Oversize, New & Noteworthy, owned by Special Collections, or owned by a branch library.  If an item is not checked out, in the Due Date column it will say "On Shelf".  If you're still sure you're where the book should be shelved and the item is not checked out, try these spots next:
2. Check adjacent areas on the shelf in case someone has put the item back on the shelf, but in the wrong spot.  Play a bit with the call number in case it was inadvertently misshelved.
3. Ask at the Circulation Desk.  Staff can check to see whether an item has been recently returned, recently reclassed to Library of Congress, in the bindery, or elsewhere.  They can also help you place a search on the book, so that staff who are familiar with the shelves and the dynamics of the changing locations can look for your book.
4. Check the Sorting Shelves. If you haven't found your item where it should be shelved, it may be on the sorting shelves just behind the Circulation Desk on the first floor of Perkins (Level A).  It may also be on one of the book trucks in this area that are in call number order and awaiting a library worker to take it to the stacks for shelving.
5. Other Spots to Check: Items may also be left on a table next to one of the many photocopiers around the library, or it may be sitting on one of the desks or tables around the Perkins or Bostock buildings.  These items are picked up daily, but you might make it there first.  Finally, the item may have been shelved incorrectly.

If you've tried the above without success, then request a search at the Circulation Desk or via the online search form. A staff member will do an exhaustive search for your item.  If the item is found, we will notify you by email and will hold it for you; if we cannot find it we will also notify you and suggest you obtain the item through Interlibrary Loan.  As time and staffing permits, staff check the shelves to ensure items are in correct call number order.  Mistakes are made sometimes, so if you can't find something where it should be on the shelf, please let us know.  Also, if you find an area of books that appear to be badly out of order, please inform a library staff member so we can take care of it.