ARS - Automated Retrieval System

Requesting an item from the ARS

In OSCAR

You can place a request via OSCAR for almost any of the items in the ARS to be delivered to the Library Circulation Desk from any PC with a web connection. Library staff will retrieve the items throughout scheduled hours.

Special Collection materials can also be requested through OSCAR, but are retrieved on their own schedule and are picked up at the Information Commons Desk.

While searching in OSCAR, you will either see a red button next to the Item Locations or you will see a blue " Request from ARS" button on the title display. If you click on the red button, you should be taken to a screen with a form to submit your name to request the item. If you click on the blue button, you will get a window to choose the individual item you want and a prompt for your Name. Typing your full name (last name, first name) makes it easier for staff to help you when you pick up the items.

You will either receive a message stating that 'Your request has been accepted' or a detailed error message if there was a problem in submitting your request. If you encounter an error in placing your request, please see a staff member at the Circulation or Information Commons desks.

Items from the Main Circulating Collection, including bound periodicals are kept at the Circulation Desk for 24 hours after they are retrieved. Items from the Archives, Government Documents and Special Collections are held for a period determined when you request the items from Library staff.

In Person

A small percentage of the items in the ARS cannot be requested via OSCAR. These include Archives' materials and some Government Documents.

For those materials, please see the staff in Archives or Government Documents. They will be able to request the items for you.

Most items that require staff intervention cannot circulate outside of the Library and you will have to use them in-house.