Hold Requests

Q: How do I have an item held for me that is checked out? How can I have an item sent here from another Finger Lakes Library System library?

A: You can place hold requests on items that are either checked out at our library, or at Finger Lakes Library System member libraries (their items are listed in our catalog). To place a hold request:

• Locate the item in the catalog.
• If all of our copies are checked out or are not in our library, click on "Place Hold Request."
  Note: Member libraries do not loan their bestsellers and new books to other libraries. If TCPL does not own any copies of a bestseller or new book, please see a reference librarian to see if the item is on order.
• Type in your library barcode and password.
• Click on the "Submit Request" button and your hold request has been placed. Click on "Return to search results" to go back to your search.
• Once the item arrives for you, you will receive either an automated phone call or an email notice notifying to pick up the item at the Circulation desk.

Q: I want to place a hold request on a very specific copy of an item.

A: For example, the library owns a 24 disc set of Upstairs, Downstairs : The Complete Series on DVD and you need discs 7 & 8 of the set. However, everytime you place a request, the first available copy is being held for you which is never the volume you want.

Generally, you should place hold requests for the first available copy of a title. However, there are some cases when the library has different volumes attached to the same record. If you want a particular volume in a set, you will need to place an item-specific hold. If you follow the Upstairs, Downstairs example above, you will need to place an item-specific hold so you receive discs 7 & 8. . If you choose "Place Request" you will get the first-available copy and may get discs 3 & 4 over and over again. Here's how to place an item-specific hold:

• Search for the desired title and click on "Call Number & Availability."
• Click on the icon to the left of the discs you want.
• You will be prompted for your barcode number and password. The barcode number is located on the back of your library card. Your password is by default the last four-digits of your telephone number.
• After you enter this information, click "Login" and "Submit Request."
• You will be asked, "Do you want to request this specific item or the first available copy of this title?" Click "This item only" and you should receive a confirmation that "Your request has been placed."

Q: Is there a fee for placing a hold request?

A: Beginning July 1, 2011: We do not charge a fee for holding an item.  However, we will charge a $1.00 re-shelving fee if you do not pick up a held item before its “unclaimed” date.

Q: How do I cancel hold requests and/or view their status?

You can display the requests you have made for materials (and cancel the requests, if necessary) through the Patron Account Requests option. After you log in, click on "Hold Requests” in the Patron Account submenu to display a list of your requests.

Note: For each item, the requests view displays the format and title of the item and the status of the request.

The following statuses are common listings:

• Active - Your request for the item is active and waiting for the item to become available.
• Pending - The lending library has earmarked the item for you.
• Shipped - The item is being sent from a member library to TCPL to fill your request.
• Held - The item has reached the Circulation Desk and is waiting for you to check out. This is when an email or mail notice is generated informing you the item is on hold.
• Cancelled - The request has been cancelled. This list will also show cancelled hold requests for 60 days before they are deleted.
• Unclaimed -The item was held for you at the library, but it was never picked up.

The numbers in the Hold Position column indicate the status of your request compared to other patron requests for the same item. The library notifies you when your request is available.

Note: The hold position indicates your request's status in relation to other requests system-wide (all member libraries in the Finger Lakes Library System). We fill our patrons hold requests first with our items.

Remember:
You will charged a $1.00 re-shelving fee if you do not pick up an item before its “unclaimed” date.

To view and/or cancel hold requests, click here.

Q: Can I request materials that are not in the Finger Lakes Library System?

Yes, for more information, please consult the information on Interlibrary Loans

- Note: If you need to cancel an out-of-system hold request, please call the Library at 272-4557 ext. 259 or ext. 260. Please do not cancel out-of-system holds through your online patron account.