What is a Hold?
Need a particular book or library material that is at a different library location or are you interested in a book that is already checked out and no copies are available? You can place a hold (or request) through the Library Catalog to have yourself added to the queue, or line, for that book. When a copy is available, it will be sent to you at the library pickup location of your choice.
How to Place a Hold
Step 1: Locate your library card
First, you will need to have a library card with either Lone Star College Libraries (a LSC Student or Employee ID Card) or with one of our partner public libraries, Harris County Public Libraries or Montgomery County Memorial Libraries. If you do not yet have a library card or student ID, visit our Get a Library Card page for more information on how to sign up for one.
Step 2: Search for the book
Search the Library Catalog for the book or other physical library resource that you would like to request.
Once you locate the record, or page, for the book, check to see where the book is located and if any copies are available. (This can give you an idea of how long you might need to wait for the book.)
Towards the bottom of the page, there will be a list of the copies of that book that are available in the library system.
- Library = the library branch where that copy is located
- Shelf Location & Call Number = where the book is located within the library
- Status = if the book is available. If the book is available and on the shelf, it will say the name of the shelf location again. If it isn't available, it will say why. For example, "Checked Out," "In Transit," or "On hold for someone."
Step 3: Place the hold with your Library Account
- On the page for the book, select the drop down menu labeled Actions
- In the box that pops up, enter your Library Card Number and PIN.
- Your Library card number will be the 14 digit number on your library card, without any spaces.
- Your PIN often starts out as the last 4-digits of your phone number unless you have changed it.
- Not sure of your PIN? See our instructions for Resetting Your Library PIN.
- Once you are logged in, select the library from the drop down where you would like to pick up the book and then select the Place Hold button.
- If the hold is successful, it will show a window that says the name of the book and under Action, it will say "Success." Click the OK button to close the menu. Your hold has been placed.
- If something else appears under Action, the hold did not go through. Please contact a librarian to assist. (Contact details are available on the Libraries' Contacts & Hours page.)
Next Steps
What's Next?
You will now be placed in the queue, or waiting list, for the book. When it's your turn, an available copy of the book will be sent to the library that you requested. Your library will contact you (likely via email) to let you know when the book is ready to pick up.
How long does it take?
It depends on how many people are ahead of you in the list, how many copies of the book are available in the library system, and the amount of time it takes for the book to be sent between library locations.