Location Request Tool for Checking Holdings

The Systemwide Library Facilities (SLF) non-duplication policy does not allow campuses to store materials that already exist in either the Northern (SLF-N) or Southern (SLF-S) SLF. Checking for titles in the SLF can be time-consuming. In order to make this process more efficient, UC Berkeley has released the “Location Request Tool” that will tell you if a particular title is held in either the SLF-N, the SLF-S, in both locations or in neither location. 

The Location Request Tool takes an OCLC number and queries OCLC to see if holdings have been set for SLF-N and SLF-S. There are two options:

• Single OCLC Number – Enter a single OCLC number on a web form and you get an immediate response.
• Multiple OCLC Numbers – Upload a text file of OCLC numbers (one number per line) or an Excel file (with column headers “OCLC Number”). Files will be processed only in the evenings and an email will be sent when the results are ready for download.

The tool is good for searching for single volume monographs. For multi volume monographs or serials, the tool is most useful if nothing is held at an SLF. If an OCLC number is found at an SLF, more checking will be necessary to determine which volume is actually held. More details on the SLF Tool can be found at: https://framework.lib.berkeley.edu/location_requests/new .

This page also provides a contact email address if you encounter problems or have questions.