Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does "IN CATALOGING" mean?
2. Has the latest edition of a journal come in yet?
3. Where are the newest journals?
4. When will the journals return from the bindery?
5. How can I request a book?
6. When will the book I ordered be available for check-out?
7. Can I purchase books for the library when I'm abroad or on sabbatical?

I found an item in MUSCAT that I want to check out but the status says it's IN CATALOGING. What does that mean and when can I have the item?

If an item is in cataloging it means that it has arrived and we are in the process of adding the complete record to MUSCAT, assigning a barcode, and physically preparing it to be placed on the shelves. If you need the book to be processed more quickly than normal you can request a rush cataloging at the circulation desk.

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I'm looking for the latest issue of my favorite print journal. How can I tell if the library has received it yet?

Search for the journal in MUSCAT and then look at the line that says "Latest Received:". This will tell you the date of our latest issue.

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I'm looking for the latest issue of my favorite online journal. How can I tell if the library has received it yet?

Search for the journal in Journal Locator and then look at the holdings for each database. If the database is listed as having it up to this year or "present", then you will be able to access the latest issue online as soon as it is published.

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It says in MUSCAT that the current issue of this journal has been received but I can't find it on the shelf. Where should I look?

We keep the more current journals and popular magazines on the main floor, while are our academic journals and older magazines are shelved downstairs in the compact shelving. If you cannot find it in either place check Journal Locator to see if it's online or available on microfilm.

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An issue of a journal I need is at the bindery. When will it return and how soon can I get it?

Look up the journal you want in MUSCAT, such as the Gettysburg Review and then click on Latest Received. Scroll down to the box that has the issue(s) you are looking for and you should see "returns date". Journals are sent back to the library from the bindery once a month. If you cannot read all of the text in the boxes, click "Line display" for a more readable display.

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How can I recommend an item that I'd like you to purchase for the library?

You can recommend a purchase by filling out our online form. Faculty members can also contact their department's liaisons.

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I ordered a book six months ago but it's still not showing up in MUSCAT. How do I know if the book has arrived, or if it was ordered?

Search for the book in MUSCAT. Once the book has been ordered a record is created and the page will display a message saying "1 copy on order". If the book has been received but is not yet available the page will display "1 copy in cataloging". If it is in cataloging you can request a rush cataloging (see above question).

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I'm on sabbatical next semester and I'll be doing research in outside of the US. There are books and films I'd like to buy while I'm there. Can the library pay for these and how do I get reimbursed?

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