Finding Material

Use MadCat to determine the location and call number of the item you want to borrow. Check the status line to see if the item is available or has been checked out.

If the item is available, you can either:

1. Go to the library the owns the item and check it out there.
2. Request that the item be retrieved from the shelf and delivered to the campus library most convenient to you. See the Requesting Materials link in the menu to the left for more information.

If the item you need is not available on campus:

1. If MadCat indicates that the item has been checked out, you can recall it. See the Recalling Materials link in the menu to the left for more information.

If the item you need is not available on campus, you may want to get it by using Article and Book Delivery services.

Requesting Material

You can request that materials be retrieved from the shelf and delivered to the campus library most convenient to you.

To do this, use the Place Requests link in the MadCat navigation menu.

You can expect delivery in about 1-3 business days. When the item is available to you, you will be notified by mail. You can also check your record in My MadCat Account to see if your items are waiting for pickup.

Recalling Material

If an item you want is currently checked out to another person, you can issue a recall for that item. You do this one of three ways.

• In MadCat. When you are looking at the record for the item you want, you can click on Place Requests link in the navigation menu. Follow the instructions to place a recall.
• In Person. Request a recall at the Memorial Library Circulation Desk by presenting your currently valid ID card and the call number of the item you want.
• By Telephone. Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM you can call (608) 265-9019.

You must have a currently valid UW-Madison ID or Memorial Library Card in order to recall items. For more information about how long to expect to wait for the item, refer to the Borrowing Policies page, Returning Materials section.

Material on Order or In Process

If an item is listed in MadCat as being on order or in process, you can use the On Order/In Process inquiry form to get further information about the item.

Do not use this form if the item is checked out. Instead, issue a recall for the item in MadCat or initiate an inter-library loan request.

Getting Items from Off-Campus

Placing a UW System Request

If the item you want is not available on campus, or is checked out, you can initiate a UW System Search for it.

Do this by clicking on UW System Search in the MadCat navigation menu.

You may place a request from your own computer and the item will be delivered to the campus library of your choice within approximately 2-4 business days.

Using Library Express (Inter-Library Loan)

If the item you want is not available in MadCat or in the UW System, you can request it via Library Express.

Search WorldCat to locate the item in libraries world-wide, then click the Get Through Library Express link to request the item.

Delivery takes about 1-3 weeks.

Recommending a Purchase

If you have a book, journal or other item to recommend for purchase by the University of Wisconsin Libraries, use the Purchase Recommendation form.

Suggestions are welcome and will be forwarded to the appropriate library subject specialist for consideration.

All recommendations are subject to Library selection policies.