Hold requests

Tisch, Lilly Music, and the SMFA libraries all offer services that allow you to request that items be put on hold for you at any of the Tufts libraries.

What is a hold request?

Placing a hold on an item means that you can request that books, scores, CDs, or DVDs be picked from the book stacks, if available, and held for you to pick up at your selected Tufts Library. Items from Tisch may also be requested for pick up at Hirsh Health Sciences Library, Ginn Library, Lilly Music Library, SMFA Library, or the Vet Library, and you may request that items from those libraries get sent to Tisch Library for you to pick up.

It generally takes about 24 hours for your hold to become available. Each library will keep your hold for different amounts of time before it gets returned to the book stacks. Please check with the library location you selected to confirm, or refer to the pickup notification you'll receive for that information.

How do I place a hold request?

  • Search for the item you want to request in JumboSearch. Click on the title to see the item’s details.
  • Scroll down to the yellow box that says “Sign in for all requesting options.” Log in using your Tufts username and password.
  • After logging in, you should see “Request item” listed next to “Request options.” Click on the “Request Item” link.
  • Select the library where you want to pick up the item, and provide any other information on the form as needed. Once you’re finished, click “Request.”
  • Your request will now be sent to the library. Once the item is ready for you to collect from  your selected pick-up library, you will receive an email notification.

What if an item has already been borrowed by someone?

You can place a request on an item that is currently checked out by another user, and you will be notified when it has been returned and is ready for you to pick up. However, this could take some time, so if you need the item as soon as possible, it is recommended that you request the item from another library using Interlibrary Loan.

Is there anything I can’t place on hold?

Holds are not available for course reserves, some equipment, and other special items. If you do not see the Request option when you are logged in to JumboSearch, it may be that the item cannot be requested. Contact us if you have questions about specific items. 

What if I can’t pick up my hold?

If you are unable to pick up your hold, contact the Information and Circulation Desk at your chosen pick-up library. They can arrange to prolong the hold period or cancel the hold on your behalf. Staff may also be able to mail your hold item to you. 

For more information:

Can you mail an item to me?

Yes, if your home address is in the continental United States more than 20 miles from Tisch Library, and you are a current Tufts faculty, staff, or student, you can request to have an item shipped directly to you.

How do I request mail delivery?

For items owned by Tufts: Once you find a book in JumboSearch you want to borrow, you can sign in and put a request on the item. When filling out the request form, select “Personal Delivery – Home Address” from the locations list. You will need to ensure your current mailing address is in the request form – this address can be updated within the request form as needed. 

For items requested through Interlibrary Loan: From the ILLiad request form, when choosing the Book option under New Requests, check the "Yes, I am fully remote. Mail my request" box to request home delivery of your ILL item.

The library will ship materials via UPS and will include a UPS return label. If for any reason, a return label is not included, email the library directly at tischfrontline@tufts.edu. 

Are all kinds of items available through Tisch home delivery? 

Unfortunately, no. Some interlibrary loan items may not be eligible for mail delivery. Lending libraries may limit their materials sent through ILL to in-library use only due to rarity or fragility. Some special items that Tufts owns, like microfilm, equipment, or periodicals, are also not available for home delivery. If you aren’t sure if your items are available for home delivery, you can email tischfrontline@tufts.edu (for materials owned by Tufts) or ill@tufts.edu (for Interlibrary Loan materials). 

What if I can’t come to the library? 

Members of the Tufts community who need accommodations for mail delivery can request them at the university level: 

OEO and/or the StAAR Center will then engage in the accommodation interactive process. If an accommodation is approved, they will communicate directly with the individuals requesting as well as the library. Library staff will add a note to the patron’s library account stating that they have received mail delivery accommodations, adding an end date as appropriate. 

In addition to the university’s accommodations process, Tisch Library offers a proxy service for checking out materials. 

How should patrons request a proxy? 

A proxy borrower allows faculty and staff members to designate another library user to check out materials directly onto the faculty or staff member’s account. Patrons requesting a proxy can visit the Tisch Library website’s information page. While proxies are for current Tufts faculty and staff, Tisch library staff can extend this to students with accommodation needs. Please follow the directions above to request accommodations. 

Questions about getting items delivered? 

Email tischfrontline@tufts.edu for assistance or more information on our Home Delivery process.