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3. Is there a Staff Member at the Annex all day?
4. What types of books are at the Annex?
5. How can I get books from the Annex?
6. How many books can I request from the Annex?
8. How soon will I get my requests?
9. Will someone contact me when my request is available?
10. What happens if there is a problem with my request?
11. What type of problems am I likely to run into with my requests?
12. How can I tell what is available from the Annex?
13. I’m not sure what I need. Can you help?
14. How can I talk to someone at the Annex?
1. What is the Annex?
The annex is an off site facility that is currently used to house around 275,000 books and around 15,000 microfilm. The interior is climate controlled with temperature and humidity regulation in order to provide the best environment for these items.2. Can I go to the Annex?
The Annex is a closed facility and is not open to the public. If there is a large number of items needed we are equipped to set up a book cart for you at Gorgas Library (note: these types of request often take longer than normal to fill—see Question #8) However, if there is a serious research need that warrants a visit and that we cannot accommodate at Gorgas then arrangements can be made for you to visit the Annex.3. Is there a staff member at the Annex all day?
There is not a Staff Member at the Annex for the entire day. The Annex Supervisor’s office is located at Gorgas Library and the day is spent divided between the two locations.4. What types of books are at the Annex?
There are several qualifications that can get a book sent to the Annex. Most items are books that have not circulated in some time, but there are a few items that are there for preservation purposes. Also, several Journal series that are now available electronically have been moved.5.How can I get books from the Annex?
All items are available by request through the Libraries’ web site. It is on the menu used to select Holds or Recalls for the particular item.6. How many books can I request from the Annex?
Undergraduates can have 5 (five) active requests. Graduates can have 10. Faculty can have 25 active requests. As soon as a request is filled more items can be requested.7. Why is there a limit?
We do this for several reasons. The primary reason is the space constraints we have at the circulation desk which is also home for Interlibrary Loan, holds, recalls, and reserve items. Also we limit the requests because often there are several people in a class asking for the same items. This limits someone from claiming all items that others might need. It is, however still on a first come first serve basis.8. How soon will I get my requests?
All items requested before 10:00 am will be received by 1:00 pm that same day. All items requested before 1:00 pm will be received by 4:00 pm the same day. Any items requested after 1:00 pm will be available by 1:00 pm the following business day. The annex does not operate on the weekend or on official university holidays. All items request during these times will be filled the following business day. Note: These are the general rules we try to live by, however there are rare occasions when items will be delayed.9. Will someone contact me when my request is available?
An email (for Graduates and Undergraduates) is automatically generated when the item is placed on Hold. A printed letter is generated for Faculty and mailed the next business day.10. What happens if there is a problem with my request?
Generally, due to amount of requests we receive, you will be notified through your Bamamail email account if there is a problem. If there is no valid email address, we will make every effort to contact you via the telephone. If we are unable to at least leave a message and you have other requests that we were able to fill we will attach a notice to those items detailing the problems with your other request.11. What type of problems am I likely to run into with my requests?
This is no easy question to pin point. However, there are several categories in which most unfilled requests fall. Many requests are for items that are too current to be housed at the Annex. A general rule of thumb to be aware of is that most periodicals that are at the Annex are from 1960 and prior (with the exception of the Science and Engineering series which are up to 1980). We also have several items that are currently in storage at either Gorgas Library or Farrah Hall. These items will eventually be moved to the Annex, but for now you will need to go to the Gorgas Library Circulation desk and the Science and Engineering Library respectively in order to retrieve these items. Also, be certain you are aware that for every individual request you make you will need to specify the pick up location. For now the system defaults to Gorgas Library. Be careful that you change it if that is not where you wish the item to go. We have no way of knowing what you intended and will have to deliver it as stated.12. How can I tell what is available from the Annex?
The best way to identify items that are in the annex is through the Libraries’ catalog. There is a portion under each location labeled ’Library Has:” This will tell you what is currently available from either the Annex or the original library the items were moved from. An Example:
Database:
University of Alabama Libraries
Location:
Annex (use Holds/Recalls/Requests button for retrieval)
Call Number:
Copy number:
2
Number of Items:
1
Status:
Not Checked out
Library Has:
v.123
13. I’m not sure what I need. Can you help?
The best places to find information about any given subject are the Information Desks, which are located in each of the branch libraries. The extremely helpful individuals in these departments can help you to find suitable items for your research and can also help you in making the requests. If you are still unsure or the Information Desk is unavailable for you (i.e. after the library is closed, or if you are off campus), but at least know the series the item you need is in you can still place a request. There is an option when placing a request that allows you to enter your own information, and there is also a comment section for you to add any additional information you might have (note: these spaces have a limited number of characters (79 for the comment section) that can be entered and anything past that will not be printed on the request). If we cannot fill the request or need more information we will attempt to contact you.14. How can I talk to someone at the Annex?
The best way to talk to some one at the annex is via email. This method gives us something with concrete information to go by as well a record of the conversation. Email: . If you do not have access to the internet then the Annex can be reached by phone at 348-3910 (Gorgas Library: with voice mail) and at 348-3669 (Annex)
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University of Alabama
Last modified:
02/24/06
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