Universal Borrowing

Universal Borrowing Tutorial (will open in a new window)

Script to open alternate window>

• Click on the library catalog(s) that you want to search. Click the Connect button to connect to the catalog(s) you selected.
• Click the Clear button to unselect any catalogs(s) you have selected.
• Choose the type of search to perform and enter the search. Note: The system can only perform a particular type of search on a particular library if that
  library has the search type available. For example: UW-Madison does not allow Keyword-Relevance searching.
• A table is displayed showing the library being searched and the number of items found in each.
• Click "Show" when the system is done searching to see the results. Each item will have a field called "Database" that will indicate which library owns
  that item. (i.e. Database: JDH Library)

Universal Borrowing (UB) allows you to request an item directly from another University of Wisconsin library that also offers this service.
At the present time not all of the UW libraries have this function; as libraries make it available they will appear in the list of Universal Borrowing libraries. If a library is not listed in the Universal Borrowing Libraries box, you can still search their catalog, but not directly request materials (for instruction on getting to non-UB library catalogs, see paragraph 1 at the top of this page). To order items that are not available through UB use the Interlibrary Loan request. To make a UB request follow the steps below:

1. Connect to the JDH Library Catalog. (http://library.uwsuper.edu/)
2. Check the catalog to make sure that the JDH Library does not own the item.
3. Click on the "Other Catalogs" button at the top of your screen.
4. From the "Universal Borrowing Libraries" box, select the other library catalog(s) that you want to search. Hold the CTRL key to select multiple catalogs. To search all of them at once you can also choose "All Universal Borrowing Libraries." [hint: "UW Colleges" refers to the related Wisconsin Community Colleges.  It is not a shortcut to selecting all University of Wisconsin System libraries].
5. Click the "Connect" button to connect to the catalog(s) selected.
6. The basic search screen will appear. You can either use this or the advanced search screen. Enter your search. Click the "Search" button. (The types of searches available will vary depending on the libraries being searched.)
7. The Simultaneous Searching screen will appear. This screen shows the catalog(s) being searched and the number of records it has found. When it is finished searching click "Show" to display the records found.
8. The list of available titles will appear. The name of the UW library that owns the item will appear in the Database column. Click on a title for more detailed information.
9. The record detail will indicate which library or libraries own the item and the status of the item (i.e. checked out, etc.)
10. To request a title be sent to the Cofrin Library, click on the"Request" button at the top of the screen.  Note: If an item has more than one volume you will need to complete a separate request for each volume.
11. The Patron Information screen will appear if you have not already logged into your patron account. Enter your 16-digit UW-Superior barcode and your last name. Click the "Login" button.
12. At the next screen choose the type of request. Change the box to Universal Borrowing Request. (Note: the number in the box indicates the number of requests that you are able to place.) Click the "OK" button.
13. The Universal Borrowing Request form will appear.
14. • Verify that you have selected the title you want.
    • Select the copy you need. (Most of the time there will only be one option.)
    • Enter your 16 digit UW-Superior ID number.
    • From the Pick Up Library box, select the library where you will go to get the item. This does not have to be the JDH Library, it can be any one of the UW libraries that have Universal Borrowing available.
    • From the Pick Up At box, choose where you will pick up the item. (e.g. Circulation Desk.)
    • Click the "Submit Request" button.
15. If your request was completed correctly the message "Your Patron Initiated Request was successful" will appear. If your request
    was not successful, check the information entered, re-enter your 16-digit UW-Superior ID number, and click the "Submit" button
    again.
16. It is very important that you check your patron record daily to see the status of a UB request. To check your patron record click on the "Your Record " button. (The Patron Information screen will appear if you have not already logged into your patron account.) The status of UB requests will be listed under the section "Request Information." Items can be listed in either the "Requests Pending" table or the "Items Available" table.
17. • If an item is under "Requests Pending" then it is either still being processed, is "In Transit" to the pickup library,
      has been cancelled by the patron, or has been denied.
    • If an item is under "Items Available" then you may pick it up at the specified pickup location. (Note: this item must
      be picked up before the day it is due to expire. If an item has not been picked up by the expiration date it is automatically returned to the lending library.) 
18. If you no longer want an item, you can click the check box in the "Cancel?" column on the Your Record screen and then click the "Cancel Requests" button.
19. Status column: Not every request can be filled by the library that owns the item. Sometimes the item can't be found or it is being repaired. Use the following chart to interpret the "Status" column in the Requests Pending section.

Other important points about UB requests

• Loan periods for Books are 28 days and Videos and IMC for 14 days. These loan periods are for ALL eligible patrons regardless of status.  (Note: UB is only available to UW students, faculty, and staff at this time.)
• Fines and fees will be applied based on the lending libraries' policies, not the JDH Library's Fines and Fees Policy.
• At this time, the system does not send a notice to you if the request can not be filled. Please check your patron record frequently to see the status of your requests.
• A notice will be sent out letting you know that an item is available to be picked up.
• A Valid UW-Superior ID is required to check out items.
• Items will be held for 6 days only.
• As always, if you have any questions please Ask a Reference Librarian. or ask at Circulation.