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Readers' Advisory: How do I request a book?

This LibGuide helps librarians and library patrons quickly connect with popular and relevant books and eBooks by genre, theme, medium, or language.

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Fast Guidance

To request a book through intercampus delivery for pick-up at the HCC library of your choice, locate a book you want by searching in the library's Catalog, clicking on its title, then clicking the silver-blue Request button that appears at the top of the book's record page.

Silver-blue Request button with checkmark in a circle

Step-by-step instructions explaining how to request an HCC library book

Step-by-step instructions explaining how to request an HCC library book

1. Visit the HCC Library website (Tip: open a new browser tab to keep accessing these instructions) at library.hccs.edu

Library homepage screenshot

2. Click on the library's Catalog link (shortcut: librus.hccs.edu)

Catalog link screenshot

3. Search by keyword, subject heading, title, author, or ISBN.

Basic Catalog search interface

4. If you see a Book record in your search results that you want, click on its title to view the complete bibliographic record.

Catalog record search result click title link screenshot

5. If a Circulating copy shows Status: Check Shelf, it should be available to request!

Example of Status: Check Shelf

6. Click on the silver-blue Request button along the top navigation bar.

Silver-blue Request thumbnail

7. On the Request page, enter your HCC username (NOT full email address) and HCC system password.

Place a Hold Request sign-in page screenshot

8. Then, choose your preferred campus library Pickup Location.

9. Click Submit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will my book(s) and/or equipment be ready?

Intercampus delivery can be as fast as 1 day or take up to 10 days during holiday breaks. Typical delivery time is 2-3 business days.

When is intercampus delivery available?

Intercampus delivery service between HCC libraries is available to current HCC students, staff, and employees. It is typically available Monday through Friday during daytime business hours. However, it is not available during weekends, holiday breaks, campus closures or outside of a campus library's service hours.

How will I know if my book(s) and/or equipment are ready?

You will be notified automatically when your book is ready for pick-up by HCC student email.

Often, our library assistants or librarians will contact you by telephone, too, as a courtesy.

When will my book request expire?

You will have 3 days to claim your book after it's available for pick-up. If it remains unclaimed, it is returned to its original location.

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