Librarian: Can I help you?
Natalie: Yes. I am a bit confused. My sociology class is supposed to read a chapter in a book called Sociology and the Modern Age. According to the syllabus, the book is in the library, but I haven't been able to find it.
Librarian: Do you have your syllabus with you? May I see it?
Natalie: Yes, uh....I put it in the front of my sociology notebook. Oh, here it is.
Librarian: Let me see. Oh yes. Your professor has placed this book on reserve. That means you cannot find it on the shelves in its usual place. You need to go to a special room called the reserve room. It's down the hall and to the right.
Natalie: I'm sorry - I still don't understand what you mean by on reserve.
Librarian: You see, your professor wants every one in the class to read the chapter. If one student removes the book from the library, it is likely that none of the other students will have the opportunity to read it. So, your professor has insured that all students have the opportunity to read it by placing it on reserve.
Natalie: So, will I be able to find this book?
Librarian: Yes, when a book is on reserve, a student can go to the reserve room and ask the reserve librarian for the book. The student can have the book for a few hours, and he or she MUST read it in the library during that time. That way, the book stays in the library, and all students have a chance to read it.
Natalie: Okay. Thank you. I understand now.
Librarian: Will there be anything else?
Natalie: No! I am on my way to the reserve room. Thanks again!
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Words and Expression
1.syllabus
Usually, an instructor hands out the syllabus on the first day of class.
If you are not sure when an assignment is due, check the syllabus.
I need to buy all the books the instructor has listed on the syllabus.
According to the syllabus, we have a quiz next week.
2.on reserve
All the library's books by M. Douglas White are on reserve for students in Chemistry 341.
Prof: I'd like to place these books on reserve for my physics class.
Librarian: Certainly. Fill out this form, and I'll inform the librarian in the reserve room.
I need to spend a few hours in the library to read a textbook my instructor has placed on reserve.
I'm sorry. You are not allowed to take this book from the library. It is on reserve, so you must read it here.
3.to be) on one's way (to)
The incredible acting of Maya Thurston in her last three movies has caught the attention of movie lovers everywhere. Maya is on her way to becoming a star.
I saw Rita on her way to school. It was raining and she was carrying an umbrella.
Wife: Henry, if you don't leave now you'll be late for the train.
HUSBAND: Don't worry, hon. I'm on my way!
If you are on your way to the grocery store, could you stop at the pharmacy next door and buy some aspirin?