Design

You can find print books from OneSearch with the steps below:

1. Select Books & Media + from the top bar.
2. Keywords search is the default setting in OneSearch. You can change it to Title search, Author search, ISBN search, etc.
3. Input the search terms and press on the SEARCH button.
   
    
4. Show results with print books only by clicking on the filters of Books and Physical items.
5. Click on the link to check the loan policy and availability. You can request a book if it is currently on loan.
6. Check the book location by clicking on LOCATION. You can then pick up the book from the shelves with the call number provided.
7. Limit the range of publication date here if you wish.
   
   

You can also borrow a print book from other UGC libraries via HKALL. Learn more from here.

If a print book is currently on loan, you can request the book (which means placing a hold to reserve the book) with the steps below:

1. Sign in with your NetID and NetPassword.
2. Click on Request.
   
    
3. Click on SEND REQUEST again to confirm. The message of Request placed will be shown. You will receive a pick-up notice when the requested item is available.
   

Notes: You can only request items that are on loan. Items available on the bookshelves are not requestable.

Alternatively, you can try to borrow the unavailable book from HKALL. Learn more from here.

HKALL & Interlibrary Loan is a shared platform by 8 UGC-funded university libraries in Hong Kong and other non-local libraries. Eligible users can request a book from other libraries if PolyU does not have that title or when the copy in PolyU is not available. The book will then be delivered to our Library for pick-up. 

To request a print book via HKALL & Interlibrary Loan, you may follow the steps below:

1. Click on HKALL & Interlibrary Loan.
   
    
2. Conduct a search in Beyond PolyU (HKALL & Interlibrary Loan).
3. Click on the book title that you would like to request.
   
4. Sign in with your NetID and NetPassword in order to show the HKALL Request button.
   If you cannot see this button, it means that the book cannot be requested via HKALL with either of the following reasons:
   1. The print book is currently available in PolyU. You cannot request an item that is available in our collection via HKALL. 
   2. The print book is currently unavailable in other UGC-funded libraries.
   3. The available print book in other UGC-funded libraries is limited to their own users only. You may still access the book via your JULAC Library Card.
   4. The item you would like to request is not a print book. Please note that you cannot request ebooks or other e-resources via HKALL.
5. Click on the request button for a physical copy or digital chapter only.
   
    
6. Click on SEND. The message of the Request placed will be shown. You will receive a notification email to pick up the book at the Self-pickup Station, normally within 5 working days. You can always check the progress of item(s) requested from HKALL via MyRecord if you wish.
   

Each physical item is labeled with a call number, which contains both letters and numbers representing the source's location in the library, e.g., TX911 .V33 2019. Books on the same subject will be placed in the same range on bookshelves. When you search a print book through OneSearch, you will get a call number, which tells you where you can find the book.

Call numbers can be divided into 4 rows:

• The first row is simply sorted in alphabetical order.
• The second row is sorted in numerical order.
• The third row consists of a character and a set of numbers.
  The character is sorted in alphabetical order; The set of number is sorted as decimal numbers.
• The last row represents the publication year, which is simply sorted by the year.

Below are some examples of the rules mentioned above:

Notes: Large books which cannot be accommodated on the normal shelves are kept at the end of the collection in each Wing. The word [QRT] beside the call number indicates large book. E.g. [QRT] TX911 .A84 1995 is shelved after books with class nos. T to Z on Gound Floor North Wing.