Library Briefings

Secrets of NUcat

We'll fill your head with all kinds of information

This regular column provides quick tips and tricks to help you search NUcat, the Library's online catalog. Our goal is to give you the information you need to use the catalog effectively. Here's the second tip in our series ...

Secret #2
Defining mysterious NUcat terms

Occasionally you may come across an item in NUcat that is not yet available. Instead of a call number there may be a date when the item was ordered or received. If you contact the Library we can help you get your materials as quickly as possible. Below is an explanation of terms that may appear in the call number field of a NUcat record.

“In Process”
This means the book is at the Library waiting to be paid for and/or cataloged. You may request rush processing by submitting a Request for Uncatalogued Materials (RUM) online or at the Circulation Desk. Most items are available within three business days after the RUM is placed.

“On Order”
This means that the item has been ordered from the publisher but has not yet been delivered to the Library. It is difficult to estimate how long it will take for the item to arrive since we order materials from around the world. It may be quicker to obtain a copy of the item through Interlibrary Loan.

Catherine Morse