Who Can Make a Request?

Concordia students, faculty (including retired and visiting faculty), staff and CREPUQ/OCUL card holders in good standing, who wish to borrow a library item that is not immediately available, may request it through CLUES.

How to make a request

While looking at the record for the item you would like to request in CLUES, click on the Request button, at the top of the record.

You will be prompted to enter:

• your name
• your 14-digit barcode on Concordia ID
• your Library PIN

Note that when your item is ready for pickup, you will be notified by email (if you have provided us with your email address). You will then have three days to pick up your item.

Number of requests allowed

The maximum number of requests a user can have outstanding at one time is ten.

Types of material that can be requested

Requests can be placed on all types of materials that circulate, except Reserve and some types of media materials. Requests cannot be placed on non-circulating items such as items from Reference or Special Collections.

Pickup location

When placing a request, be sure to select the appropriate pickup location (where you will pick up the item once it is ready). You can choose:

• Webster Circulation Desk (SGW)
• Vanier Circulation Desk (Loyola)

Note: The pickup location may be changed for you by staff at a Circulation Desk. Should you have any questions about requesting, do not hesitate to contact library staff at any service desk.

Recalls on longer loans

If you want to request an item that is borrowed by another user, follow the normal requesting procedure (click the "Request" button in CLUES); a recall will automatically be generated. The current borrower will be informed that the item has been requested by another user and the due date may be changed. The current borrower is allowed to keep the item for a minimum of 14 days.

Request refusals

Self-hold requests may be refused for a variety of reasons, including:

• you have reached the maximum number of requests allowed
• your circulation record has expired
• you have overdue items and/or fines outstanding

The message "Local copy available" will appear if you are trying to request an item and you are in the library where that item is available.

If you are having trouble requesting an item, do not hesitate to contact library staff at any service desk.

When a request is successful

The system will place your name in the queue for the next available copy.

Since it is impossible to know precisely when the request will be filled, please login to MyCLUES to verify the status of your request.

An email notification will be sent to you as soon as the item is ready for pickup.

Items ready for pickup are kept on the holdshelf for a maximum of three days.