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How do I request a book?
Interested in borrowing material already out on loan or at another branch of the service? Looking for an item we don't have in our collection? Want to see what other library services have a copy? The following information can help you select the best way to get hold of the items you are after.
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Is the item on loan or at another branch? - place a reservation
First check the library catalogue!
If the item is onloan, on order or at another of our branches, you can place a reservation on the item and have it delivered to any branch of the Port Phillip Library Service. Reservations are free and unlimited for all items except DVDs (limited to four reservations at a time) and forthcoming issues of magazines (which can not be reserved).
How to place a reservation
You can place your own reservations using the library catalogue or the catalogue terminals at any library branch. You will need a PIN number or password to access this feature. If you don't have a password, ask a staff member for assistance. Once you have found the item you wish to reserve:
- Click on the title you wish to reserve. This will take you to the full record display.
- Click on Place Reservation button on the menu
- Enter your library card number and PIN / password. If you don't have a password, ask a staff member for assistance.
- Leave the Item to Reserve box set to Any copy from any location.
- Select your pick up location from the drop down menu.
- Click on Place Reservation.
When your reservation becomes available you will be notified by telephone, email or mail and the item will be held at the designated branch for two weeks. If there is a status on the item that prevents you from placing a reservation please see a staff member for assistance. If the item is available at another branch it may be a good idea to contact one of the library branches - we should then be able to retrieve the item for you on the next working day.
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The library doesn't have a copy of what I'm looking for - request an item
First check the catalogue before completing the online request form!
If the Port Phillip Library Service doesn't have a copy of what you are looking for you can make a request for the item. We may then attempt to purchase the item if it appears suitable for the collection. Some of the factors we bear in mind when considering an item for purchase include: how old is the item; is it for a general or academic readership; is the format robust enough for public use; will it appeal to other users?
If the item doesn't meet these requirements, or is no longer in print, then a system is in place that allows us to access material from other libraries within Australia. This is known as Inter-Library Loans or Document Delivery.
How to request an item
It is important that you have first checked the catalogue. Submitting a request form for an item that is on loan or at another branch will mean a delay in satisfying your request.
Once you've determined that the library doesn't have a copy, complete our online request form. We will then determine whether the item can be purchased or obtained from another library service on Inter-Library Loan.
To complete the online request form:
- Enter the Item Details. Try to provide as much information about the item as possible - such as title, author, publication date and format of the item
- Enter additional information in the Request Notes field. This may include where you heard about the item, if you've seen it in a bookstore recently or if it is a university text. Anything that might help us locate the item
- Enter Borrower Details. Enter your library card number and PIN / password. If you don't have a password, ask a staff member for assistance
- Enter Last Date Required
- Select your pick up location from the drop down menu
- Click on Submit Request
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How do I find out what other library services have a copy of the item?
If the item you are looking for is not held at any of the five branches of Port Phillip Library Service, you may wish to visit another library. You can find out which library service has a copy of an item by searching LibraryLink Victoria (LLV). LibraryLink can be used to search and request items from most library services across Australia, including the Libraries Australia website. Please search our catalogue first to see if we hold the item before making a request on LibraryLink.
To make requests and increase your search options, you will need to create an account on the LibraryLink website using your Port Phillip library card. You will need a PIN number or password on your library card - if you don't have one or need a hand using the database ask a staff member for assistance.
For more information contact the Library, or use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online. If you prefer call ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777 or TTy (03) 9209 6713 and ask for Port Phillip Library Service.
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