Frequently Asked Questions

Library Materials in On-site Reserve Stack

Q1: The Library Catalogue indicates that the status of a searched item is “Available on Request”. What does it mean?

A1: Public libraries will hold some old and less frequently used library materials or their copies in reserve stacks to spare more open shelf space for new additions and popular titles. Library items with the status “Available on Request” are held in on-site reserve stacks of their respective home libraries. On-site reserve stacks are not open to the general public, but the items held in these stacks can be made available to readers upon request.

Q2: How to access the library materials in on-site reserve stack?

A2: You can request an item at its home library by providing its title and/or call number. The library staff will then retrieve the item from the stack within a reasonable time for you to borrow or read in the library. The procedures for check-out and check-in are the same as those for items placed on open shelves.

For library materials classified by the Obscene Articles Tribunal as Class II articles (indecent), you have to submit a duly completed call slip, and the library staff may request you to produce proof of age if there is doubt.

Q3: Can I make a reservation for access to library materials in on-site reserve stack through the online catalogue?

A3: You can make a reservation for access to library materials in on-site reserve stack through the online catalogue.

Q4: Is there any charge for borrowing library materials in on-site reserve stack?

A4: Request for access to or borrowing of library materials in on-site reserve stack can be made at respective home libraries free of charge. For library materials held in on-site reserve stacks of other libraries, a reservation fee of $3.3 per item will be charged.