Frequently Asked Questions

Library Materials in “Off-site Reserve Stack”

Q1: The Library Catalogue indicates the status of a searched item as “Off-site Reserve Stack”. What does it mean?

A1 : Public libraries will hold some old and less used library materials or their copies in closed stacks to spare more open shelf space for new additions and popular titles. Library items with the status “Off-site Reserve Stack” are held in stacks outside the library premises and they are not readily available for access.

Q2 : What does the number following the words “Off-site Reserve Stack” mean?

A2 : It is the location identification number assigned for the off-site reserve stacks of the Hong Kong Public Libraries.

Q3 : How to access the library materials in “Off-site Reserve Stack”?

A3 : You can make a request by phone or in person at its home library by providing the title and call number of the requested item(s). It normally takes about 5 working days to retrieve them from stacks outside the library premises and inform the readers to come for pick up. If the requested items are not for loan outside the library, readers can only read them inside the home library of the library materials.

Q4 : Can I make reservation to access those “Off-site Reserve Stack” library materials through online catalogue?

A4 : You can make a reservation for access to library materials belonging to “Off-site Reserve Stack” through the online catalogue.

Q5 : Is there any charge for borrowing “Off-site Reserve Stack” library materials?

A5 : In general, making request to access or borrow “Off-site Reserve Stack” library materials at the respective home library is free of charge. For library materials requested from other libraries, a reservation fee of $3.3 is charged per item.

Q6: How long will the library items retrieved from off-site reserve stacks be kept?

A6 : You will be notified to collect the requested items when they are retrieved from off-site reserve stacks. Normally, the items will be kept for 10 days. If an item is not collected within the specified period, the request will be cancelled and the item will be returned to the reserve stack.