Reservations - FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is a reservation?
How do I reserve something?
Do I have to pay for a reservation?
How do I know that the reservation has been placed?
How will I know my reservation is ready to collect?
Why doesn't the library phone me to tell me that my reservation has arrived instead of sending me a letter?
Can I check online to see if my reservation has arrived?
I can't find the item that I want on the library catalogue - can the library still get it for me?
I have been waiting for a long time for my reservation to arrive. What should I do?
Why is there a limit to the number of reservations I can have?
I use the mobile library service - why can't I choose to pick up items on the mobile?
There are lots of different entries for the item that I want to reserve - how do I know which one to reserve?
The item I want is not on loan. There is a copy available at a library I don't normally use. Can I go there to get it?
When I tried to reserve something I was told that the reservation is not allowed. Why is this?
I don't need the item any more - can I cancel the reservation?
My reservation hasn't arrived and I am about to go on holiday - what if the item comes in while I am away?

What is a reservation?

If you reserve an item someone else has on loan, it will be kept aside for you when it is returned.

How do I reserve something?

You can reserve by calling in person or phoning any Edinburgh City Libraries and a member of staff will reserve an item for you. Remember to bring your library card.

You can also reserve an item online. You will need both your library card number and your pin number. Please see How to reserve an item on the online library catalogue.

Do I have to pay for a reservation?

No, reservations are free.

If you reserve an item in stock, we will try and supply it within 21 days.

How do I know that the reservation has been placed?

You can check by looking at your borrower information on the catalogue. To access your borrower information online you will be asked for your borrower number and your PIN number. If you click on 'Reservations' you will see a list of items you have reserved.

How will I know my reservation is ready to collect?

You will be sent a letter or an e-mail. Make sure that the library has your up to date address details. Please ask a member of staff to check for you.

Why doesn't the library phone me to tell me that my reservation has arrived instead of sending me a letter?

Because you can reserve items online, we have had to automate more of the reservations process. Letters are automatically generated and put in envelopes before being posted. This can take longer than phoning. However, it ensures that the correct person gets the notification and it saves on the cost of staff time in making phone calls.

Can I check online to see if my reservation has arrived?

Yes you can. Check your borrower information on the online catalogue. Click on 'reservations' to see a list of the items you have reserved. The status of the reservation that has arrived will be 'waiting collection'.

I can't find the item that I want on the library catalogue - can the library still get it for me?

If the item you are looking for is new and we don't have in stock, we may decide to order it for you. You will need to place a reservation for it either in person or by phone.

In certain circumstances we can also borrow books from libraries outside of Edinburgh on your behalf. This is an Interlibrary Loan Service (ILL), for which there is a charge of £5.00 per item. You will need to place a request for ILL in person, as the charge is payable in advance.

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I have been waiting for a long time for my reservation to arrive. What should I do?

If you have reserved a very popular book, there may be a long waiting list. You can check the catalogue to see how many reservations there are on the title your reserved. Clicking on 'copy' will bring up more details, including how many other reservations there are on that title.

If there is not a waiting list, please contact the library you chose as your collecting point, and a member of staff will help.

Why is there a limit to the number of reservations I can have?

You cannot reserve more books that you are allowed to borrow.

I use the mobile library service - why can't I choose to pick up items on the mobile?

Unfortunately, we are currently unable to provide this service. However, library staff can reserve items on your behalf and arrange for collection on mobiles. Please contact Access Services for assistance.

There are lots of different entries for the item that I want to reserve - how do I know which one to reserve?

The library may have the title in different formats, e.g. hardback, large print, paperback and audio book. Each format will have a different entry. Different editions of the same book also have different entries on the catalogue.

Please choose the title entry that has the format that is right for you. Also, it is best to choose an entry which has a lot of copies.

The item I want is not on loan. There is a copy available at a library I don't normally use. Can I go there to get it?

Yes you can. However, it is best to check with the library concerned and ask to have the item set aside for you, before you make a trip. Otherwise, you may get there and find that someone else has borrowed the item in the meantime.

You can also reserve the item. It will then be delivered to a library of your choice.

When I tried to reserve something I was told that the reservation is not allowed. Why is this?

There are several reasons why you may be unable to reserve an item.

You cannot reserve reference only items. These items will have the word 'ref' or 'reference' in the location information.

You can see information about new items that the library has on order, but you cannot reserve them online. Instead of 'shelfmark' these items will show 'on order' on the list of copies. However, you can still reserve by phone or in person.

You cannot reserve more items than you can borrow. For example, an adult borrower can only have 12 books on loan, so they can only have 12 reservations.

There are other circumstances that can prevent you from reserving an item. Please get in touch with your local library.

I don't need the item any more - can I cancel the reservation?

You will need to contact library staff, who will do this for you. The reservation charge will not be cancelled or refunded.

My reservation hasn't arrived and I am about to go on holiday - what if the item comes in while I am away?

Contact your collection site library. They will be able to help.

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