MOBIUS is a collaborative partnership of about 80 libraries in Missouri and other midwestern states that have agreed to share print books and physical media with other member libraries. MOBIUS provides access to over 29 million items and uses a courier service to deliver items directly to TJ Library. Member libraries include the following:
Currently, MOBIUS books can be checked out for 40 days and cannot be renewed.
You can originate a MOBIUS search by going directly to the OpenRS catalog, or you can get there from Discover@UMSL:
A If you’re using Discover@UMSL but want to start fresh in MOBIUS, click the MOBIUS Catalog link in the Links portion of the left sidebar.
B After you've run a search in MOBIUS, you’ll find options for how to sort results in the top right corner. In this example, we’re viewing a list of books that includes several series written by Mark Greaney. To find the first book in each series, it may be helpful to sort by “Year (oldest).”
C Limiters can be found in the left sidebar and will narrow the number of results you see. One of the most helpful limiters is format, as it will help you eliminate your non-preferred formats. Keep in mind that only non-digital items (such as print books, audiobooks on CD, and videos on DVD) are available for request, even though you may see digital items in this catalog.
D When you click on an item, you’ll open its detailed record. Just below the title, you'll see the number of available items and, a bit lower, the list of items with their locations and availability. MOBIUS is still working on the functionality of this piece of the catalog, so you may occasionally see a record with no items listed. If that happens, please place an Interlibrary Loan request for the book instead.
E If you are not currently logged into your MOBIUS account, you’ll see a gray account icon in the top right corner.
F To request a copy of this book, click the Place a Hold button below the title. (If you’re not yet logged in, you’ll need to use this button TWICE, so read on!)
G The Place Hold dialog box will prompt you to Sign In.
H Select University of Missouri Library System from the drop-down menu and click the Continue button.
I This time when you land back on the item’s detailed record, you’ll see a green account icon, which indicates you’re logged in to your account. MOBIUS is still working to resolve issues with account access, so if you need help determining what you have checked out and when your items are due, contact Andrew Stout at astout@umsl.edu.
J Click the Place a Hold button for a second time.
K Now that you’re logged in, the Place Hold dialog box will prompt you to choose a pickup location from the drop-down menu. If you plan to be on UMSL’s campus, choose UMSL TJ Library and click the Place Hold button in the bottom right corner of the dialog box.
L If the request was placed successfully, you’ll see a confirmation message. When your item arrives, you’ll receive an email at your UMSL address letting you know the item is ready for pickup.
