A staff member asks for a title not in the library. What is the best approach?

A staff member asks for a title not in the library. What is the best approach?

• A. Ask supervisor to search
• B. Look it up in the catalog yourself.
• C. Tell them to come back tomorrow
• D. Suggest they buy the book

Answer: (B)

The important idea here is to verify holdings using the library catalog first. The catalog is the authoritative record for our collection, showing whether we own a title, the edition or format, where it’s located, and its current status (on shelf, checked out, on order, etc.). By looking it up yourself, you quickly determine if we have the item, where it would be found, and what options exist—such as a different edition, an eBook, or a related title. This keeps information accurate and lets you guide the staff member on the next steps, like placing an interlibrary loan or a purchase request if appropriate, following library policy. Other approaches slow things down or skip needed steps. Asking a supervisor to search introduces an extra handoff for a routine check. Telling the staff member to come back later disrupts service. Suggesting a purchase without checking the catalog or policy can bypass proper processes. Checking the catalog first ensures you provide precise information and appropriate next steps.

The important idea here is to verify holdings using the library catalog first. The catalog is the authoritative record for our collection, showing whether we own a title, the edition or format, where it’s located, and its current status (on shelf, checked out, on order, etc.). By looking it up yourself, you quickly determine if we have the item, where it would be found, and what options exist—such as a different edition, an eBook, or a related title. This keeps information accurate and lets you guide the staff member on the next steps, like placing an interlibrary loan or a purchase request if appropriate, following library policy.

Other approaches slow things down or skip needed steps. Asking a supervisor to search introduces an extra handoff for a routine check. Telling the staff member to come back later disrupts service. Suggesting a purchase without checking the catalog or policy can bypass proper processes. Checking the catalog first ensures you provide precise information and appropriate next steps.